Traditional
|
India

The Banyan Deer

Two deer kings make a deal with a human king to send one deer a day for hunting, but one deer sacrifices himself and changes the king's heart.
Sacrifice
Love
Leadership
Featured in Fable Book
Jataka Tales - The Banyan Deer
Audio available for B1 version

Once upon a time, in a thick and lush forest, there lived two herds of deer. Each herd had five hundred deer, and both were led by a magnificent king. One of them was known as the King Banyan Deer because of his beautiful golden fur, which was as lustrous as the bark of a banyan tree. The other was known as the King Branch Deer because his antlers branched out like a beautiful tree.

The two kings were not only wise and fair, but they were also great friends.

Nearby, there was a royal city where the human king loved to hunt. He and his hunters would often come to the forest, chasing and terrifying the animals. The Banyan Deer and Branch Deer, seeing their herds scared and in disarray, decided to talk to the human king.

They went to the king's palace and explained their problem, "Oh, great king! We understand your love for hunting, but our herds are living in constant fear. It causes chaos and harm. Could we find a way to make it easier for everyone?"

Moved by their wise words, the human king agreed to a plan. "Each day," he said, "send one deer from your herds to my palace. This way, you won't be scared, and I can continue my hunting."

Both the deer kings agreed, and so it was arranged. Each day, one deer would go to the palace to be hunted, alternating between the two herds.

One day, it was a turn from the Banyan Deer's herd. A mother deer, who had a newborn fawn, was chosen. Tearfully, she approached the Banyan Deer. "Please," she pleaded, "let me live until my baby is old enough to survive without me. After that, I will go."

The Banyan Deer, full of compassion, decided to go to the palace in place of the mother deer. He walked to the palace and laid down, ready to be hunted.

When the human king saw the majestic Banyan Deer offering himself, he was astonished. He realized the value of self-sacrifice and compassion. He said, "Oh, noble Banyan Deer, your act of bravery and love has touched my heart. I won't hunt you. Go back to your forest."

The Banyan Deer, however, asked the king to promise not to hunt any deer from now on. Seeing the wisdom in this, the king agreed and even extended his promise to all the animals in the forest.

And so, the forest became a safe haven for all animals, thanks to the wise and compassionate Banyan Deer. And they all lived in peace and harmony, learning the value of sacrifice, compassion, and kindness.

Once upon a time, in a big, green forest, there lived two groups of deer. Each group had five hundred deer, and both were led by a strong king. One king was called the King Banyan Deer because his fur was golden and shiny, like the bark of a banyan tree. The other was called the King Branch Deer because his antlers looked like the branches of a tree.

The two kings were not only wise, but they were also very good friends.

Near the forest, there was a city where a human king lived. The human king loved to hunt. He and his hunters often came to the forest, chasing the animals and scaring them. The two deer kings saw their herds frightened and decided to speak to the human king.

They went to the king's palace and said, "Oh great king, we understand you enjoy hunting. But our herds are always scared, and it causes many problems. Can we find a way to stop the fear?"

The human king listened to their words and agreed. "Each day," he said, "send one deer to my palace. This way, you will not be afraid, and I can still hunt."

The two deer kings agreed. Each day, one deer would go to the palace, taking turns between the two herds.

One day, it was the turn of a deer from the Banyan Deer’s group. A mother deer, who had a young baby, was chosen. She went to the Banyan Deer, crying, "Please, let me stay until my baby is old enough to live without me. After that, I will go."

The Banyan Deer, full of kindness, decided to go to the palace in her place. He walked to the palace and lay down, ready to be hunted.

When the human king saw the Banyan Deer offering himself, he was surprised. He understood the deer’s great kindness and bravery. He said, "Oh noble Banyan Deer, your sacrifice has touched my heart. I will not hunt you. Go back to your forest."

The Banyan Deer then asked the king to promise not to hunt any more deer. The king agreed and promised not to harm any animals in the forest.

From that day, the forest became a safe place for all animals, thanks to the wise and kind Banyan Deer. They all lived in peace, learning the importance of kindness and sacrifice.

Once upon a time, in a big, green forest, there lived two groups of deer. Each group had five hundred deer, and both were led by a strong king. One king was called the King Banyan Deer because his fur was golden and shiny, like the bark of a banyan tree. The other was called the King Branch Deer because his antlers looked like the branches of a tree.

The two kings were not only wise, but they were also very good friends.

Near the forest, there was a city where a human king lived. The human king loved to hunt. He and his hunters often came to the forest, chasing the animals and scaring them. The two deer kings saw their herds frightened and decided to speak to the human king.

They went to the king's palace and said, "Oh great king, we understand you enjoy hunting. But our herds are always scared, and it causes many problems. Can we find a way to stop the fear?"

The human king listened to their words and agreed. "Each day," he said, "send one deer to my palace. This way, you will not be afraid, and I can still hunt."

The two deer kings agreed. Each day, one deer would go to the palace, taking turns between the two herds.

One day, it was the turn of a deer from the Banyan Deer’s group. A mother deer, who had a young baby, was chosen. She went to the Banyan Deer, crying, "Please, let me stay until my baby is old enough to live without me. After that, I will go."

The Banyan Deer, full of kindness, decided to go to the palace in her place. He walked to the palace and lay down, ready to be hunted.

When the human king saw the Banyan Deer offering himself, he was surprised. He understood the deer’s great kindness and bravery. He said, "Oh noble Banyan Deer, your sacrifice has touched my heart. I will not hunt you. Go back to your forest."

The Banyan Deer then asked the king to promise not to hunt any more deer. The king agreed and promised not to harm any animals in the forest.

From that day, the forest became a safe place for all animals, thanks to the wise and kind Banyan Deer. They all lived in peace, learning the importance of kindness and sacrifice.

Once upon a time, in a big, green forest that probably smelled like fresh cookies after rain, there were two herds of deer. These weren't the kind of deer that just nibbled grass and ran away. No siree! These were the cool kids of the forest.

Leading one herd was King Banyan Deer. He had fur so shiny it looked like someone gave him a glitter bath. "Hey, I'm not just any deer," he'd wink, "I've got the style and the brain!"

Then there was King Branch Deer, whose antlers looked like the prettiest tree you ever did see. "Life is like a big maze," he’d often say. "But hey, have you checked out my cool antlers?"

Now, these two, King Banyan and King Branch, were like Batman and Robin of the deer world. Best buddies. Besties. BFFs. You get the idea.

But close by, there was a city with a king who loved to play tag with animals. And not the fun kind of tag. The kind where he chased them. A lot.

So, our deer heroes decided to have a little chat with Mr. Chasey King. Strutting into the palace like they owned the place, King Banyan said, "Hey, Mr. King! Chasing is fun, but maybe we could play a different game?"

King Branch added, "Yeah, I mean, it's tough looking cool when you're always on the run, right?"

Mr. Chasey King thought for a moment. "Okay, how about one deer comes to my palace each day, and we'll play a gentler game?"

Deal made! Deer from each group took turns visiting. But one day, a momma deer with a baby was up. "King Banyan," she said with big, teary eyes, "Can I have a little more time? Just till my baby learns how to hop and skip?"

King Banyan, being the big-hearted deer he was, said, "You know what? I’ll go play with Mr. Chasey King today." And off he went, ready to play a game.

When Mr. Chasey King saw King Banyan ready to play, his eyes went big. "King Banyan? Why are you here? You're like... the superhero of the forest!"

King Banyan gave a big, toothy grin. "Sometimes, you gotta show a little love, Mr. King."

Seeing this brave deer, Mr. Chasey King decided, "No more chasing games, ever! Let's play hide and seek or duck-duck-goose!"

King Banyan did a happy dance. "Now that's a game I can get behind!"

From that day on, the forest was the happiest place, where everyone played fun games and no one had to run away. Every creature was laughing, playing, and if you put your ear to the ground, you might even hear the worms giggling.

Two deer kings in a forest so grand,
One with gold fur, the other antlers that spanned.
Friends they were, wise and true,
Leading their herds, through and through.

Close by a city, where a king loved to chase,
Scaring the deer, in that forested space.
Banyan Deer and Branch Deer thought, "This isn't fair!"
"To the human king's palace, we must go there."

"Your Majesty," they said, "we see you love the chase,
But our herds are afraid all over the place.
Can we find a way, so all can be well?"
The human king agreed, a new plan to tell.

"Send one deer a day, to my palace here,
No need to run, no more need to fear."
Both deer kings nodded, it seemed a fair trade,
So every day, a visit one deer made.

But then came a day, oh, what could be done?
A mommy deer worried for her newborn son.
"Please," she begged, "let me stay by his side,"
Till he’s big and strong, and doesn’t need to hide."

So Banyan Deer, with a heart pure and true,
Went to the palace, the king's eyes grew.
"Your bravery," said the king, "has opened my eyes,
No more hunting deer, it's not very wise."

"Promise me more," said Banyan, taking his stand,
"Let’s make this forest a safe, peaceful land."
The king agreed, extending his vow,
To protect all creatures, starting right now.

So thanks to Banyan, wise and dear,
All animals lived without any fear.
In that happy forest, they now reside,
Learning kindness and love, far and wide.

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Word Finder

  1. Banyan

    A tree with wide branches and many roots.

  2. Antlers

    Branch-like bones on a deer's head.

  3. Herds

    Groups of animals that live together.

  4. Palace

    A large, fancy house for a king or queen.

  5. Hunter

    A person who chases animals to catch or kill.

  6. Scared

    Feeling afraid or frightened by something.

  7. Kindness

    Being friendly, gentle, and caring to others.

  8. Sacrifice

    Giving up something important for others.

  9. Noble

    Showing strong, good, and honorable character.

  10. Promise

    Saying you will do something and meaning it.

Understanding Questions

  1. Why were the two deer kings good friends?
  2. What problem did the deer face because of the human king?
  3. How did the two deer kings try to solve the problem with the human king?
  4. Why did the Banyan Deer decide to go to the palace instead of the mother deer?
  5. What did the human king promise after seeing the Banyan Deer’s sacrifice?
Word Finder
  1. Banyan

    A tree with wide branches and many roots.

  2. Antlers

    Branch-like bones on a deer's head.

  3. Herds

    Groups of animals that live together.

  4. Palace

    A large, fancy house for a king or queen.

  5. Hunter

    A person who chases animals to catch or kill.

  6. Scared

    Feeling afraid or frightened by something.

  7. Kindness

    Being friendly, gentle, and caring to others.

  8. Sacrifice

    Giving up something important for others.

  9. Noble

    Showing strong, good, and honorable character.

  10. Promise

    Saying you will do something and meaning it.

Understanding Questions
  1. Why were the two deer kings good friends?

    1. They shared the same territory.
    2. They both loved the forest.
    3. They were always in competition.
    4. They helped each other in times of need.
  2. What problem did the deer face because of the human king?

    1. The forest was being cut down.
    2. They were being hunted.
    3. They lost their food source.
    4. They had no water to drink.
  3. How did the two deer kings try to solve the problem with the human king?

    1. They decided to fight him.
    2. They sent a message to him.
    3. They hid from him.
    4. They tried to befriend him.
  4. Why did the Banyan Deer decide to go to the palace instead of the mother deer?

    1. He wanted to protect the herd.
    2. He wanted to show bravery.
    3. He was curious about humans.
    4. He wanted to prove himself.
  5. What did the human king promise after seeing the Banyan Deer’s sacrifice?

    1. To stop hunting deer.
    2. To give them more land.
    3. To let them live freely.
    4. To honor them in the palace.
  1. Why were the two deer kings good friends?
  2. What problem did the deer face because of the human king?
  3. How did the two deer kings try to solve the problem with the human king?
  4. Why did the Banyan Deer decide to go to the palace instead of the mother deer?
  5. What did the human king promise after seeing the Banyan Deer’s sacrifice?
  1. Why were the two deer kings good friends?
  2. What problem did the deer face because of the human king?
  3. How did the two deer kings try to solve the problem with the human king?
  4. Why did the Banyan Deer decide to go to the palace instead of the mother deer?
  5. What did the human king promise after seeing the Banyan Deer’s sacrifice?
Reflection Questions
  1. Why do you think the Banyan Deer offered to go to the palace in place of the mother deer?
  2. How did the human king's feelings change when he saw the Banyan Deer ready to be hunted?
  3. Can you think of a time when you did something for someone else, not because you had to, but because it was the kind thing to do?
  4. What does this story teach us about the importance of sacrifice and compassion for others?
  5. How can we use the lessons from the Banyan Deer's actions in our own lives to be more compassionate and understanding?
Fable Quotes
Sacrifice is the purest expression of love and leadership.
Even the coldest heart can be melted by the warmth of compassion.
A true leader stands not above, but among his people.
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