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Panchatantra Story : The Snake and the Frogs


Panchatantra Story : The Snake and the Frogs




Once upon a time, in a peaceful village nestled near a dense forest, lived a community of frogs. They lived harmoniously, hopping and croaking around a beautiful pond. However, their tranquil existence was soon disrupted by the arrival of a venomous snake named Shesha. 




Shesha was cunning and feared by all creatures of the forest. He slithered through the undergrowth, seeking his next meal. Upon discovering the pond, he realized it was the perfect hunting ground, abundant with unsuspecting frogs. With his venomous fangs and swift movements, he could easily capture and devour them. 




The frogs, upon hearing of the snake's arrival, trembled with fear. They held a meeting near the edge of the pond to discuss how to deal with this dangerous intruder. Their leader, a wise old frog named Jalam, addressed the gathered frogs. 

"Fellow frogs," Jalam croaked, "We must find a way to protect ourselves from the snake. We cannot allow fear to consume us. Let us put our heads together and devise a plan." 



After much discussion, the frogs came up with an ingenious idea. They would each take turns diving into the pond, disappearing beneath the water, while one frog would stay on a rock near the shore and keep watch for any sign of danger. This way, they hoped to confuse the snake and ensure their safety. 


The plan was put into action, and every time Shesha approached the pond, the frogs would dive underwater, hiding from his sharp eyes. The vigilant frog on the rock would warn the others when it was safe to resurface. 


However, Shesha, being a cunning snake, soon realized the frogs' strategy. He decided to outsmart them by remaining motionless near the pond, pretending to be harmless and uninterested in their presence. 


Days went by, and the frogs, feeling secure, grew complacent. They began to underestimate the snake's patience and intelligence. One day, while the vigilant frog was on his usual lookout duty, he noticed Shesha's unmoving form near the pond. Mistaking it for a harmless log, the frog alerted the others, and they confidently emerged from the water. 



Unbeknownst to the frogs, Shesha was merely biding his time. As soon as the frogs reappeared, he swiftly lunged forward, capturing several of them in his deadly jaws. The frogs panicked, realizing their grave mistake. 


The remaining frogs quickly retreated back into the water, their hearts filled with sorrow and regret. They knew they had underestimated the snake and paid a heavy price for their carelessness. 

Jalam, the wise old frog, called for another meeting, this time more somber and reflective. He addressed his fellow frogs with a heavy heart, "We have learned a valuable lesson today, my friends. It is not enough to rely solely on our strategies and become complacent. We must be vigilant and adapt to changing circumstances." 


The frogs understood the wisdom in Jalam's words. They realized that their previous plan had become predictable, and they needed a new approach to protect themselves from Shesha. From that day forward, they became more watchful and cautious, never underestimating the intelligence and patience of their adversaries. 



The story of "The Snake and the Frogs" teaches us the importance of adaptability and the dangers of complacency. It warns against underestimating potential threats and reminds us to be constantly aware of our surroundings. By remaining vigilant, we can navigate challenges and protect ourselves from harm. 

 



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