The Tale of the Indigo Jackal
The Tale of the Indigo Jackal, an Indian folktale
Once upon a time, deep within the dense, verdant jungles of Odisha, a story echoed that resonated through the forest's whispering leaves and chattering brooks.
It was the tale of a Jackal, a creature often considered astute and cunning, but this one was destined to live an extraordinary life… albeit for a brief moment.
This jackal, unlike his peers, was always on the prowl, not just for food but also for mischief! His insatiable curiosity often led him to places where he was not meant to be.
One day, he wandered far off from his usual trails and found himself near a human settlement. The village dyers, renowned for their vibrant dyes, had left a vat of deep blue indigo out in the sun.
The jackal, tempted by the unfamiliar, jumped in without a second thought, surrendering himself to the alluring hue of the dye.
When he emerged he was no longer the golden-brown creature of stealth. Instead, he was a radiant shade of blue, shimmering and exquisite, as though kissed by the midnight sky itself!
Seeing his reflection in a nearby pond, the jackal was entranced by his own transformation. An idea, as brilliant as his new coat, popped into his head...
He paraded through the forest, a spectacle the likes had never been seen! The animals stared, mouths agape, at this resplendent being. "Who are you?" they asked in awe, voices trembling.
With a twinkle in his eye, the jackal declared, "I am a messenger of the gods, sent to rule over this land and protect all its inhabitants."
The animals, naive and eager for guidance, hailed him as their king. They brought him juicy fruits, the freshest water, and served him with undying devotion. The jackal reveled in his newfound power!
The jackal truly had the world at his paws. But with each passing day, his arrogance swelled. He had successfully fooled everyone yet nature always finds a way to reveal the truth...
On one clear night, surrounded by all the animals, he heard the distant howls of fellow jackals. Drawn by a force stronger than his will and older than time itself, he began to howl along with them.
His howls echoed through the forest, revealing his true identity! Realization dawned upon the animals: they felt betrayed, their trust shattered. Their revered indigo king was just another jackal.
The animals angrily chased away the impostor who now ran with fear, not pride, regret stinging him at every turn. Morning found him with his spirit crushed, his indigo coat battered and dull.
The trees still whisper a cautionary tale of deceit, ambition, and the transient nature of power obtained through falsehoods: even if one wears a cloak of deception, truth will always shine through.
And when it does, consequences are never far behind.
(adapted, via Folklore Chronicles and Leo Patnaik)
(images via Folklore Chronicles and FirstCry Intelli)