The Jackal was Too Clever : A traditional folktale from Kerala

Origin and Cultural Context

“The Jackal Was Too Clever” is a traditional folktale from Kerala, a state in South India known for its rich storytelling traditions. Like many Indian folktales, it carries moral lessons about wisdom, greed, and deception. The story aligns with the themes found in the Panchatantra and Jataka Tales, where animals symbolize human traits and actions.

Overview of the Folktale

In a village in Kerala, a cunning jackal roamed in search of food. One day, he discovered a lush sugarcane field owned by a hardworking farmer named Kelachar. However, the field was well-guarded, making it difficult for the jackal to sneak in. Devising a plan, the jackal approached a mighty elephant and tricked it into breaking the fence, allowing both of them to feast on the sugarcane.

Kelachar, watching from his hut, spotted the elephant destroying his field. Being an expert archer, he grabbed his bow and arrows, ready to protect his crops. Meanwhile, the jackal, always scheming, saw another opportunity. He went to a snake living in a hole near a tree and instilled fear in it. The jackal lied, telling the snake that Kelachar had discovered its presence and planned to kill it. Terrified for its life and that of its family, the snake asked the jackal for a solution. The jackal cunningly suggested that the snake should strike first—biting Kelachar multiple times when he came near the tree.

That night, the elephant returned to the field. As it began eating, Kelachar took his bow and shot three precise arrows at the elephant, fatally wounding it. Just as he was about to inspect his crops, the snake, believing the jackal’s words, bit Kelachar repeatedly. Though he initially dismissed the pain as insect bites, he soon realized the truth. In a desperate attempt to defend himself, Kelachar stomped on the snake, killing it instantly. However, the venom had already spread through his body, and he collapsed, dying alongside the elephant and the snake.

Watching from a distance, the jackal rejoiced at his success. He now had enough food for days—the elephant’s flesh for a month and Kelachar’s for at least two weeks. Hungry and eager to begin his feast, he approached Kelachar’s body. Seeing blood on the farmer’s bow, he licked it. Unfortunately, his teeth accidentally touched the tightly strung bowstring, which suddenly snapped. The force sent one end of the bow deep into the jackal’s mouth, cutting it into two.

Thus, the jackal, despite his cleverness, met a tragic end due to his greed and overconfidence.

Moral of the Story

Deception and trickery may bring short-term gains, but greed and overconfidence often lead to one’s downfall.

Historical Background

Kerala has a long tradition of oral storytelling, where folktales, myths, and legends have been passed down through generations. These stories were often told in families, villages, and temple gatherings to educate people about values, ethics, and wisdom.

This folktale shares similarities with stories found in Panchatantra, a collection of animal fables from ancient India that dates back to around 200 BCE to 300 CE. The Panchatantra stories were originally written in Sanskrit and later spread across the world, influencing literary traditions in Persia, Arabia, and Europe. Like Panchatantra, this folktale also uses animals as characters to represent human emotions, intelligence, and flaws.

The story also reflects the influence of Jataka Tales, Buddhist stories that depict moral and ethical lessons through the lives of animals and past incarnations of the Buddha. In both traditions, the jackal is often portrayed as a trickster figure—sometimes outsmarting others but often facing a downfall due to his own greed or overconfidence.

Themes

1. Cunning and Deception – The jackal uses manipulation to trick both the snake and the farmer for its own benefit.
2. Karma and Poetic Justice – The jackal’s greed and trickery ultimately lead to its own downfall.
3. Survival and Betrayal – The story highlights how characters use deception for survival, but betrayal has consequences.
4. The Cycle of Greed and Punishment – Every character (the jackal, the snake, and the farmer) faces consequences for their actions.

Storytelling Style

• Simple and Direct Narrative – The story follows a clear sequence of events leading to an unexpected twist.
• Animal Characters with Human Traits – The jackal and snake have human-like intelligence and emotions, which is common in trickster tales.
• Moral Lesson Through Consequences – Instead of outright stating the moral, the story shows how the jackal’s own cleverness leads to its demise.
• Repetitive and Predictable Patterns – The jackal’s manipulation and the snake’s response create suspense, keeping the audience engaged.

Type of Folktale

• Trickster Tale – A story where a clever character (the jackal) uses wit to outsmart others but ultimately gets trapped by its own trickery.
• Fable – It conveys a moral lesson, showing how greed and deception can backfire.
• Animal Tale – The primary characters are animals who symbolize human traits.

Cultural Significance

Kerala’s storytelling traditions emphasize moral lessons, and this tale reflects several key aspects of Kerala’s rural life:

• Agriculture: The setting revolves around a farmer (Kelachar) and his sugarcane field, highlighting the importance of farming in Kerala’s traditional economy.
• Coexistence with Nature: The presence of animals like the jackal, snake, and elephant mirrors Kerala’s rich biodiversity and the interactions between humans and wildlife.
• Belief in Karma: The tale follows the Indian concept of karma—one’s actions ultimately determine their fate, as seen in the jackal’s tragic end.

Literary Significance

• Moral Storytelling: The story follows the classic structure of Indian moral tales—introducing a problem, showing deception, and ending with poetic justice.
• Use of Animal Characters: Similar to Aesop’s Fables, the story uses animals to embody human traits, making it easier to convey ethical lessons.
• Symbolism and Metaphors: Each character represents certain qualities, contributing to the deeper meaning of the story (discussed further in the Symbols section).

Symbols and Their Meanings

1. The Jackal – Symbol of cunning, trickery, and greed. In Indian folklore, the jackal is often depicted as a manipulative creature who tries to outsmart others for personal gain. However, in many stories (including this one), the jackal’s overconfidence leads to his downfall.
2. The Elephant – Symbol of innocence and strength. The elephant represents power and wisdom but is often a target of deception. In Hinduism, elephants are considered sacred (such as Lord Ganesha), yet in folktales, they are sometimes portrayed as victims of trickery.
3. The Snake – Symbol of hidden danger and fear. The snake represents vulnerability, as it easily falls for the jackal’s trick. It also symbolizes revenge, as it acts based on fear rather than wisdom.
4. Kelachar (the Farmer) – Symbol of hard work and justice. He represents the common man who is often caught in unfortunate circumstances due to deceitful individuals.
5. The Bow and Arrow – Symbol of karma and justice. While it serves as Kelachar’s weapon, it ultimately becomes the instrument of the jackal’s own demise.
6. The Sugarcane Field – Represents wealth, sustenance, and livelihood. It is the central reason for conflict, as all the characters are drawn to it for different needs.

Legacy of the Folktale

This folktale has endured for generations, influencing storytelling in Kerala and beyond.

• Oral Tradition: The story has been narrated by elders to children, preserving Kerala’s storytelling culture.
• Educational Use: It is used in moral education to teach children about honesty, consequences of deceit, and ethical behaviour.
• Folktale Collections: The story is included in various folktale compilations and children’s books that preserve India’s rich heritage.

Similar themes appear in Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, where deception leads to unexpected consequences. The tale also shares themes with Western fables such as Aesop’s The Fox and the Crow, where cunning characters face defeat due to their arrogance.

Modern Relevance

Although this folktale is centuries old, its themes remain relevant in today’s world.

1. Lessons on Greed and Overconfidence

• In modern society, people often engage in deception for personal gain, whether in business, politics, or personal relationships. The story reminds us that dishonesty may lead to short-term benefits but ultimately results in downfall.

2. Impact of Manipulation and Fake News

• The jackal’s ability to deceive both the elephant and the snake mirrors how misinformation spreads today. Just as the snake acted out of fear due to the jackal’s lies, people in the modern world often make decisions based on false information.

3. Environmental and Ethical Messages

• The tale also reflects the consequences of greed on nature. The elephant, snake, and farmer all suffer due to selfish motives—just as reckless human actions today harm the environment.

4. Workplace Ethics and Leadership

• In professional settings, people who use manipulation to gain success may initially prosper, but eventually, unethical behaviour backfires. Just like the jackal, those who exploit others for personal gain often face unintended consequences.

5. Importance of Critical Thinking

• The story teaches the value of questioning information before blindly believing it. The snake’s failure to verify the jackal’s claim led to its downfall, just as people today can suffer due to misinformation or impulsive decisions.

Conclusion

“The Jackal Was Too Clever” is a timeless folktale from Kerala that continues to hold significance in modern times. Through its clever use of animal symbolism and moral lessons, it warns against greed, manipulation, and overconfidence. The tale’s legacy remains strong in Kerala’s storytelling tradition, influencing generations of listeners and readers.

Ultimately, this folktale serves as a reminder that intelligence should be used wisely, not selfishly. The jackal’s fate is a lesson for all—deception may seem like a shortcut to success, but in the end, it often leads to self-destruction.