Jacob and The Epics of India

 Notes For Jataka Tales Part B The King's White Elephant     carpenters live on river bank near forest. they go into the forest to cut trees and make lumber. One day, an elephant limps to them on 3 feet. He had a large splinter in his foot. They pulled it out and washed the wound. To repay the carpenters, the elephant helps them in any way he can. They, in return, feed him. The elephant then had a son, whom he took to the carpenters in place of himself because he was getting old. At night the elephant would play with the children of the carpenters in the river. One day, the king came down the river, saw the elephant, and immediately wanted him. The carpenters sold him to the king who took good care of him. Why the Owl is Not King of the Birds     A long time ago the people had a king. The four footed animals also had a king. The fish also had a king. Then the birds started talking and decided that they needed a king. They then decided that the owl should be king...

 Notes for Jataka Tales Part A The Monkey and The Crocodile     I remember reading this one early on in the semester. The monkey fools to crocodile into thinking that his heart is actually a fruit hanging from a tree across the river. The crocodile gives the monkey a ride across, not realizing he has been tricked. How the Turtle Saved His Own Life     I also remember reading this one earlier. A king had a pond made for his sons to play in. They loved the fish, but when they saw a turtle, they were scared of it thinking it was a monster or a demon. The king ordered his men to catch the turtle and bring it to him. They then discuss potential ideas for how to kill the turtle. One man, fearing water, suggests throwing the turtle into the flowing river that goes over rocks and into the ocean. The turtle, being smart, explains that this option scares him greatly and that he doesn't deserve such a fate. The King decides that this is the best option and then they throw ...