The Deer, the Crow, and the Deceitful Jackal
A scheming jackal tries to lure a trusting deer into a hunter's trap, but a loyal crow foils the plan.
In a certain forest, a deer and a crow were the closest of friends, spending much of their time together and helping one another whenever needed. A jackal also lived in that forest — a creature known for being greedy and deceitful.
The jackal had set his sights on the deer's tender meat, but he knew he could never catch the swift deer through a direct chase. So he devised a cunning scheme. Approaching the deer with feigned friendliness, he said, "Friend, I've discovered a field nearby with the most delicious, juicy crops. Let's go and eat together."
Trusting the jackal's words, the deer agreed and followed him toward the field. But in truth, the jackal was leading the deer straight into a hidden trap that a farmer had set to catch animals. The jackal knew that if the deer became trapped and died, he could feast on the deer's flesh himself.
The moment the deer entered the field, he stepped straight into the hidden snare and became caught. He thrashed and cried out desperately. The jackal, secretly delighted, put on a show of sympathy. "Oh no, how terrible," he said, feigning distress.
Their friend the crow happened to be flying overhead and witnessed the entire scene. He immediately understood that the jackal had deliberately orchestrated this trap. Swooping down beside the deer, he said, "Don't panic — I will distract the farmer so he cannot come here, while you try to free yourself from the snare."
The crow flew to the farmer's house and provoked his guard dog into a frenzy, keeping the farmer occupied and delayed for some time. Meanwhile, the deer used every bit of strength he had to break free from the trap, and he escaped safely.
When the farmer finally returned to his field, he found neither the deer nor any sign of a broken trap. The disappointed jackal slunk away with nothing to show for his scheme, while the deer thanked his true and loyal friend, the crow.
Moral: Not every offer of friendship is sincere, so caution and awareness are always essential. A true friend is the first to come to your aid in times of trouble.