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Queen Who Gives Birth to a Donkey

I wanted a child, and when the child didn’t come, I lamented, day and night. “I am like a field on which nothing grows!” I cried. At last, my wish was granted, but what did I give birth to? Not a human child, but a donkey! Then I wept in earnest. I told my husband to...

Thankful Wazir

One can never know what good will come of bad and so I give thanks for everything. When the king cut off his finger, I suggested that it might improve his hearing. When he lost his temper and sent me to prison, I thanked him. Of course, I had no idea what went on with...

Queen Bee

Three brothers came along and stood under the tree where we have our nest. The two who thought themselves to be clever wanted to make a fire under the tree to get the honey. The third brother said, “Leave the bees in peace. I will not allow you to burn...

Dame Carp

I am leaping after flies when I land hard on the earth. I lie in the grass, gasping for air. Then two hands slide underneath me, and I am raised up. I prepare myself to be killed and eaten. But no, I am gently lowered into the cool, refreshing water. I sink to the...

Crab Fisherman’s Wife

We have a golden crab. We feed him, and he fills our plate with gold. He fulfills all our wishes, and we are resolved to fulfill his. Needless to say, he is very intelligent. There is so much more to him than meets the eye. He has asked me to go to the king and...