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| (wikipedia) |
- The story about The Noble Robber follows three friends who eventually meet up with a man that wants to rob them. The three friends are the son of a prince, the son of a brahmin, and the son of a merchant. The young men aren't very good influences on one another, and each of their fathers is upset that they aren't taking their responsibilities seriously. Not wanting to give up their fun-loving and lazy ways, the three decide to go somewhere else, but realize that such an endeavor would require money. They decide to go to Mount Ascension and collect some of the gems that they've heard can be found there. They do so, and each discovers a valuable diamond. Worried that they will be robbed on the return trip, each swallows his diamond with the expectation that it will be recovered later. Another man had been on the mountain looking for gems, but hadn't had any luck. He witnesses the three friends swallow their diamonds and decides to follow them in hopes of recovering the diamonds later. The four men are later accosted by a group of hunters with a magical bird that claimed the men were carrying gems. The chief of the hunters decides to cut open all of their bellies to see what can be found. Realizing that his death is assured no matter what, the robber determines to offer himself first. When he is found to have nothing in his belly, the chief will let the others go. The robber thinks that this virtuous act will benefit him in the afterlife. Since his death is guaranteed regardless, this is the best possible outcome for him.
- I like this story and the way it is told. There isn't much that I'd want to change about it, except to put a personal stamp on it. I'm most interested in the thought process of the robber when he decides to sacrifice himself to save the other three. I would focus my story more on his internal monologue and perceptions of the situation.
Bibliography: The Panchatantra by Krishna Dharma. Web source.
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