Long ago, Tiger’s fur gleamed like polished gold—no stripes, no blemishes, just pure feline elegance. One day, while prowling near the forest’s edge, he spotted a tiny Man commanding a massive Water Buffalo to plow a field. “Go, Buffalo, go!” the Man sang. The Buffalo, enchanted by the tune, slowed down to enjoy it—much to the Man’s frustration.
Later, as the Man rested, Tiger crept over to the Buffalo. “You’re huge and powerful,” he said. “Why let that little Man boss you around?” The Buffalo sighed. “He may be small,” he murmured, “but he’s got wisdom.”
Tiger’s ears perked up. Wisdom? He wanted that. He padded over to the Man and growled, “Show me your wisdom!” The Man, trembling, stammered, “I… I left it at home! I’ll go fetch it!”
But the Man paused, pretending to think. “Wait,” he said slyly, “you might eat my Buffalo while I’m gone. Let me tie you to this tree—just for safety.” Eager to gain wisdom, Tiger agreed. The Man tied him up tight.
Soon, a mischievous Rabbit hopped by. “Well, well, Tiger! Playing statue today?” he teased. A giggling Bird fluttered down. The Rabbit whispered, “Let’s tell everyone the mighty jungle king is tree-tied!” The Bird zipped off to spread the news.
The Rabbit returned with honey smeared on his paws. “Your fur’s so smooth!” he said, patting Tiger’s coat. Moments later, a swarm of bees arrived, drawn by the scent—and stung Tiger all over. Ouch!
Then came the squirrels. One bold squirrel scampered down. “I’ll protect you, Your Majesty!” he declared. But instead of helping, he danced around while his friends pelted Tiger with nuts. Tiger roared, “You little rats! I’ll get you!” A squirrel chattered back, “Learn to climb first!” The forest echoed with laughter.
Finally, the Man returned—not with wisdom, but with a bundle of dry straw. He piled it around Tiger and set it ablaze. “Here’s my wisdom!” he shouted. Flames crackled, licking Tiger’s golden fur.
The fire burned through the ropes, and Tiger bolted to a nearby pond. He dove in, steam rising from his scorched coat. When he looked at his reflection, he gasped—his once-golden fur was now streaked with black, charred stripes.
The next day, the cheeky Rabbit sat by a stream with his daughter. “Look, Dad!” she squeaked. “A zebra!” The Rabbit chuckled.
Tiger, glaring from across the stream, said nothing. And from that day forward, he wore his stripes—a permanent reminder of the day he met a Man with “wisdom.”
Based on: Vietnamese Folk Tales