Presence of mind can save you from even the deadliest trap, and a false friend is more dangerous than an enemy.

What is the Panchatantra?

An ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables written in Sanskrit around 300 BCE, intended to teach practical wisdom.

What does the crocodile symbolize?

The crocodile represents false friendship and the danger of trusting those who have divided loyalties.

How does this story differ across cultures?

Variants appear across South and Southeast Asia, with some versions featuring a jackal instead of a crocodile, but the core trick of the left-behind heart remains constant.

Is The Monkey and the Crocodile appropriate for children?

Yes, it is a widely told children's story in India and Southeast Asia, teaching critical thinking and wariness of false friends.

Fables

The Monkey and the Crocodile

#Cleverness

#Friendship

#Deception

Available Variants

India, Asia

The Monkey and the Crocodile

Annotations Enabled

A Monkey lived in a jamun tree by a river. He became friends with a Crocodile who visited daily, sharing the sweet fruits with him. One day the Crocodile's wife tasted the fruit and demanded the Monkey's heart, which she believed would be even sweeter. The Crocodile invited the Monkey for a ride across the river.

Halfway across, the Crocodile revealed his plan. The Monkey remained calm and said, 'What a pity! I left my heart on the tree.' The Crocodile swam back, and the Monkey leaped to safety in his tree. 'You fool,' said the Monkey, 'one does not keep one's heart in a tree. But I see now you are no friend.'