Reading Notes: Part B Indian Fairy Tales

Part B of Indian Fairy Tales is like Part A in that it is a collection of short stories. The short story How Sun, Moon, and Wind Went out to Dinner is typical like other short stories that explain aspects of life or impart wisdom. Personification is prominent in the story as the Sun, Moon, Wind, and Star are all portrayed as living characters. However, they are not presented as humans and still retain some of their celestial and Earthly qualities. Additionally, characters such as Lightning and Thunder are personified. The overall message of the story is to present how each of the celestial bodies and Wind acquired the characteristics that make them what they are known as today. Overall, the Sun and Wind are shaped to be greedy and unjust characters with no regard to their mother, the Star. On the other the hand, the Moon is shaped to be the justly and good one. While the story explains why the sun is scorching, the wind is dry, and the moon cool but bright, it also leaves the reader with a lesson about greed and unwillingness to share. Another short story, The Talkative Tortoise, does not explain an aspect of life but does impart some wisdom. Like the Sun, Moon, and Wind story, personification is seen in the story as the ducks and tortoises are given the ability to speak. Also prominent in the story is Buddha who grew up on India and would lead to the formation of Buddhism. He is often presented as wise and knowledgeable, and this is clear in the short story as he cures the king's talkative personality. The main lesson taken from the story is to limit one's talking and allow other people to impart their own opinions. Overall, these short stories are a quick and fun read while also creatively presenting some lessons of life.

Bibliography:

Indian Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs with illustrations by John D. Batten (1912).
Indian Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs with illustrations by John D. Batten (1912).

Flickr: The moon, the only one who would give food to its mother