Storytelling for Week 14: The Cruel Crane Outwitted

The Cruel Crane Outwitted

Once upon a time there was a very cruel, very rich man. He did what he could to benefit himself, not caring about how his actions might affect those around him. For a very long time he acted in this manner, not really paying attention to the other villagers, viewing them as below him. This all changed one day, however, when he discovered just how much he could gain by taking advantage of them. The day that this all began to change, for both Richard and for the poor villagers, was the day that the drought truly began to take effect. It had not rained in a week and the crops were beginning to do poorly, burning in the sunlight without any water. The villagers came to ask to use Richard's well, as the main well for the village had begun to evaporate. Richard, not caring what happened to the others, refused them at first. After turning them away, he realized that he could force them to work for him in return for having access to water. They would have to do as he said, unable to argue, so long as the drought continued. After another week of no rain, the people returned to beg him for mercy. He agreed, granted that certain conditions of his were met prior to them gaining access. He forced them to agree to work as servants within his house, as well as making them take care of his property and its orchards. Reluctantly the people agreed, knowing that they were at his "mercy" until the rains returned. After working under Richard for over a month, some of the people began to complain, saying it was unfair for them to be working so hard while Richard reaped all of the rewards. The next day, these people were not to be found. It turns out that they were dealt with by the hired thugs. A few days later a young man came from the village over, desiring to know what had happened to his brother, who had coincidentally been one of the protestors. Upon discovering the incident, Robin decided to deal with Richard. He tricked him into a game of cards, slowly upping the stakes as time passed. Eventually the house and all of its property was placed as a bet by Richard, going against the freedom of Robin and any children that he may one day have. Robin won, followed by him having the now destitute Richard thrown into the streets to be dealt with by those he had oppressed and taken advantage of.

Author's Note

I decided to tell this story as a man taking advantage of those around him, virtually enslaving them. This differed from the original story where a crane was taking advantage of the fishes' desperation to have water by offering to transport them, killing and eating them instead.

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

(Crane; Image source Wikimedia)