FolkTales January 1986

Issue Date: February 2003

The animals run away from Man.

       Cock dropped his biggest tail feather and crowed: "This is Great Cock's little eyelash," he boasted. "If your eyelash is bigger, you may come and fight him."

       Lion was impressed. Only a huge and powerful creature could boast such large eyelashes. He decided not to risk a fight against such an animal and departed. Cow and her calf were safe. That is why they decided to stay with Man forever, and that is where they remain to this day. The real lesson of this tale is that two persons of such different physical strength, shape, habits, and character must not live in one village. Also, it is better to avoid a person with a lion's temperament. But if you have a cock's talent for bragging and craftiness, then you can fool a lion.

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