Wisdom & Cleverness
Resourceful escapes, sharp observations, advice and ingenious tricks shape these tales. Look beyond who wins: what information did a character use, whose help mattered and who was harmed? Comparing an effective trick with a well-judged decision makes room for different readings of cleverness and wisdom.
Indian Folk Tales
The King Who Was Fried
King Karan is fried daily by a faqir for charity gold; after caging praise-singing swans he learns Bikramajit is more generous.
Indian Folk Tales
The Five Wise Words of the Guru
Ram Singh leaves a scolding stepmother with five guru rules; obeying them through court dangers proves his honesty to the rajah.
Indian Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Good Husband and the Bad Wife
A kind Brahmin invites a guest to dinner, but his bad-tempered wife tells a wild lie about a wooden pestle, and the poor visitor runs for his life.
Indian Folk Tales
Retaliation
Two sacrificed goats are reborn as a king and his minister who come to sacrifice a holy priest—until the goddess shows him how to escape a second death.
Indian Folk Tales
The Birth of Lord Krishna
Warned that his sister’s eighth son will destroy him, wicked King Kansa locks her away, but on a stormy midnight the baby Krishna is carried to safety.
Japanese Folk Tales
Ages 3-5
The Tale of Two Frogs
Two travelling frogs meet on a mountain and try to inspect their destinations, but each mistakes a view of home for the unfamiliar town ahead.
Indian Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Close Alliance
A farmer's wife tricks a tiger to save the household's animals, then turns its suspicion against the jackal who persuades it to return with their tails tied.
Indian Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Demon with the Matted Hair
Every weapon the brave Prince of the Five Weapons strikes with sticks fast in a demon’s hair, yet the trapped prince still refuses to be afraid.
Aesop's Fables
Ages 6-8
The Donkey and His Shadow
A traveller and a donkey owner start a hot-day quarrel over who may rest in the animal’s shadow, and while they argue, the donkey simply trots away.
Indian Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
Peasie and Beansie
Kind Peasie helps a tree, a fire, a pipal and a stream on her way to visit their father, and her selfish sister Beansie hopes to win the same rewards.
Indian Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
Prince Wicked and the Grateful Animals
A man rescues a prince and three animals from a flood. The animals honour their promises, but the new king remembers the rescue with resentment and tries to silence him.
Indian Folk Tales
Princess Aubergine
A tiny fairy girl who steps out of an aubergine is lured to the palace by a jealous sorceress-queen determined to discover the secret of her life.