Once upon a time a hunter called Mantuk lived in a country. He was not only ill-tempered but also self-serving and looked for his interest only. So, he had no friends.

One day Mantuk went hunting. It was end of Wakching lunar month. Mantuk spent the entire day hunting, but did not catch anything except a pigeon. It was getting dark so he hurried back trampling the bushes. Before it was dark he wanted to get past the dense forest.

But he was unable to get past the dark forest. Suddenly a thunderstorm started. All his clothes were drenched in the rain. It was completely dark and because of the rain he could not go any further. Being helpless, he took shelter under a big tree.

Even though he was in big trouble, he did not let go of the bird in his hands.

When morning camr, the wind was still lowing. It was already the month of Wakching. On top of that there was a storm. Mantuk’s and hands and legs had become numb with cold. Tears flowing down his cheek, he said, “O god of the forest, today I have fallen into a great tragedy. I am unable to bear this cold and hunger. I am coming under you. Please protect me god.”

Do you know what was happening over there? The wife of the pigeon that Mantuk had caught was sitting on a branch of the tree. Hearing Manyuk’s words, she became anxious. With a deep sigh, she said, “O god, in this strong, dangerous storm I do not where my husband is. O merciful god, please save him.”

The pigeon who was prisoner in the hands of the hunter heard the prayer made by his wife. Lifting his head he replied, “Do not worry dear. I’m here. Today there is a guest who is cold and hungry. Serve him well.”

Hearing the words of her husband, the female pigeon was happy beyond words. However, she noticed that her husband was a prisoner in the hands of a hunter.

At that time looking at the female pigeon, the husband said, “Do not say a word right now. Try to save the life of the guest. Then there will be god’s will. We must uphold the mores of a household. Do not miss such a chance.”

On hearing the husband, she brought some dry woods from inside of some hole and set up a fire. Then she said to the hunter, “Sir, please warm your body in the fire and then I will fetch something to eat.” Seeing all this Mantuk was surprised. In such a tragedy and precarious situation, how these small birds are performing their duty. Whatever be the matter, first let me warm my feet and hands.

Then the pigeon said, “Sir, I am a small bird. How can I satisfy your needs. But I have decided to give my body to satisfy your hunger.” Saying this, the female pigeon jumped into the fire.

“Eh, what are you doing?” Extending his hands, Mantuk tried to stop the bird. However, the female pigeon had already jumped into the fire.

While this was happening, the male pigeon escaped from the net. He said, “Sir, how can you satisfy yourself by eating such a small bird. I will also jump into the fire. Eating both of us you might get some satisfaction.”

Saying this he also jumped into the fire and killed himself. Mantuk was left staring. The two birds took the forms of gods and went to heaven. Mantuk thought to himself, in his lifetime he will not kill animals again. He stopped doing any bad deeds and from that day he became a saint.

A Folktale sourced from E-Pao by James Oinam.

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