Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Imagine your mother warns you, “Don’t go outside; it’s raining, and the roads are slippery. You might slip.” If you ignore her advice and step out, chances are you’ll end up slipping. This has probably happened to you at some point, right? What does this teach us? It’s simple: we should listen to those who care for us, like our mothers or anyone who has our best interests at heart.

But what do we often do instead? Let’s explore this through the story of three best friends—three fish who were like the three musketeers. This tale is about trust, friendship, and the consequences of ignoring wise advice.

The Panchatantra Story of the Three Fish

In a serene lake, there lived three fish named Daisy, Tulip, and Lily. They were inseparable friends, yet each had a distinct personality. Lily and Tulip were the most beautiful fish in the lake, while Daisy was known for her intelligence and thoughtfulness. She always looked out for her friends. Tulip, on the other hand, was sweet and clever. Both Daisy and Tulip believed in making decisions after carefully assessing the situation. Lily, however, was stubborn and believed in fate. She thought that no one could change what was destined to happen.

One day, a group of fishermen passed by the lake and noticed the abundance of fish. They decided to return the next day to catch them. One fisherman even pointed out Lily and Tulip, captivated by their beauty, and vowed to catch them. Daisy overheard their conversation and immediately warned her friends.

Daisy urged Lily and Tulip to leave the lake with her, explaining that staying would mean certain capture by the fishermen. She suggested they move to a safer place through a nearby canal. Tulip agreed with Daisy and was ready to leave, but Lily refused. She insisted, “This is my home, and I won’t leave it no matter what.”

Daisy and Tulip tried to convince Lily, promising they would build a new home together and take care of each other. They even mentioned the opportunity to explore new places. But Lily remained unmoved and angrily told them to leave without her.

Reluctantly, Daisy and Tulip decided to leave the lake, hoping Lily would eventually realize the danger and join them. They left with heavy hearts, knowing they had done all they could to help their friend.

The next day, the fishermen returned and cast their nets. Lily, along with many other fish, was caught. She struggled to escape but couldn’t. In that moment, she regretted not listening to her friends. If only she had followed their advice, she would have been safe with them.

Moral of the Story

The story of the three fish teaches us a valuable lesson: it’s crucial to act wisely when faced with potential problems. Like many other Panchatantra tales, this story inspires children and imparts important life lessons, such as the importance of wisdom, intelligence, and foresight. Planning ahead and being resourceful can make life much easier and safer.