THE DONKEY'S RIDDLE

Titu owl loved solving puzzles.

- Dr. K. Rani

He could crack even the most difficult ones in a flash. Whenever an animal from the jungle came to him with a puzzle, Titu would hoot and say, “Oh, this is child’s play for me!”

And indeed, within moments, he would untangle even the most complicated riddles and knots.

Because of this, Titu had become very proud of his intelligence. Sometimes a deer would come to him, sometimes a jackal, and sometimes even a leopard would bring puzzles meant for their children.

Titu began to feel that the entire jungle depended on him. Morning or evening, he would sit on the highest branch of a tree, he perched high on a tree, quietly waiting. With a proud hoot, he claimed he was the wisest creature around.

He would boast loudly about his intelligence:

“Look, intelligence is something not everyone has. God has given me a special brain—that’s why I am the smartest creature in the jungle.”

Some animals laughed when they heard this. Some merely shook their heads. Others felt annoyed by his constant boasting. Everyone knew that Titu was indeed very clever, so no one dared argue with him.

On the other hand, there was Dodo donkey. He was strong and sturdy, tall and broad, slow-moving, a little forgetful, but very kindhearted. Often, he would think to himself, “I wish I were a little more quick-witted ... and able to solve a puzzle.”

Whenever this thought crossed his mind, it made him sad. And because of this, Titu would often make fun of Dodo in front of everyone.

One morning, Dodo left his shelter early and began walking slowly along the forest path. As he walked, he made up his mind that today he would go to Titu—not to ask for help, but to challenge him.