Sang Kancil and the Crocodile Line

In a rainforest of the Malay world, tiny Sang Kancil saw a tree heavy with ripe rose apples across the river. The water was too deep to wade through, and several crocodiles floated quietly beneath its surface.

Sang Kancil called to the crocodile chief. “Please form a line across the river so I can count everyone. I will bring back enough fruit to share.” Curious, the crocodiles arranged themselves neatly from one bank to the other.

“One, two, three...” Sang Kancil sprang lightly from one back to the next. He finished counting and safely touched the far bank. Every crocodile raised its head, waiting for the fruit he had promised.

Sang Kancil nearly ran off to eat alone, but he looked back and saw the crocodiles still holding their line. “My plan helped me cross,” he thought, “but if I break my promise, cleverness becomes unfairness.”

He nudged ripe fruit into leaf baskets and floated one to each crocodile. When everyone had a share, Sang Kancil thanked them for the crossing. From then on, they knew he was not only quick-witted but also responsible for his words.