The Blue Jackal

A hungry jackal once wandered into a town looking for food. Dogs chased him through the streets, and in panic he jumped into a large vat in a dyer's courtyard. The vat was full of deep blue dye.

When he climbed out, his fur had become a strange blue colour. Returning to the forest, he saw that the animals were frightened by his unusual appearance. The jackal quickly understood the opportunity.

"Do not fear," he declared. "The gods have sent me as your king." The animals believed him. Lions, tigers, elephants, and deer all bowed before the blue creature. The jackal enjoyed royal food and honour.

But he grew arrogant and forgot his old companions. One evening, a pack of jackals howled in the distance. Hearing them, the blue jackal could not control himself. He lifted his head and howled back.

The animals immediately recognised him. "He is only a jackal in disguise," they said. His false kingship ended at once.