How to learn English:

Learn English with Easy and Simple English Short Stories

Introduction

Do you want to read English short stories? Do you want to read simple English short moral stories or English stories with morals? Or are you looking for famous fables? We have it all!!

You can read hundreds of English short stories here for free. You can read famous moral stories such as Aesop’s Fables, Tenali Raman and Abkar and Birbal.

What does childhood stories offer?

  • Reading is the most important aspect of learning any new language.
  • With childhood-stories.com, you can read all the stories are perfect for beginners.
  • These are English short stories for kids and beginners.
  • These children’s English short stories for beginners are simple / easy / free and ones which you would have heard when you were a kid
  • Some of the English short stories for beginners available are Aesop’s Fables, Tenali Raman or Abkar and Birbal
  • By reading, you will build up critical vocabulary and also subconsciously memorize grammar structure.
  • Six months of daily reading will make a huge difference in your vocabulary as well as grammar.

Why should I read English short stories for beginners?

  • Start off slowly.
  • No one starts with a 300 page novel unless they have already read a few hundred short stories, 80 page novels, comics and magazines.
  • Try reading simple one page short stories in English on a daily basis.
  • There are 7 collections available in this website: Aesop Fables (4 sets), Akbar and Birbal (2 sets), Tenali Raman (1 set).
  • Speed is not of essence since your objective is to learn a new language, not to complete the story. Consistency and vocabulary should be your focus area.
  • In fact, speed reading is detrimental to your learning and you will not have time to process the new words and the grammar.

Aesop’s Fables

  • All Aesop’s Fables Short Stories
  • About Aesop’s Fables. History of Aesop’s Fables
  • Best Aesop’s Fables stories in English with pictures – Top 10 Aesop’s Fables stories
  • Aesop’s Fables short stories PDF
  • Aesop’s Fables short stories PPT

Who was Aesop’s Fables? About Aesop’s Fables.

When we were children, our grandparents would have told us of many stories of Aesop’s Fables. Aesop’s fables were beautiful moral stories, very witty and also having many values such as kindness and empathy. Aesop’s Fables was perfect for children and kids as everyone wants to hear a cute story.

What are the Aesop’s Fables? Why are Aesop’s Fables so famous? Let us learn about the history of Aesop’s Fables.

History of Aesop’s Fables

  1. Aesop’s Fables’s was written by a Greek philosopher and story teller called “Aesop”.

When was Aesop’s Fables written?

  • Aesop’s Fables was written in 620 – 564 BC

Which is the most famous fable in Aesop’s Fables?

  • The hare and the tortoise is the most famous fable in Aesop’s Fables.
  • It is the story of how the slow and the steady win the race.

Is Aesop a real person and are the Aeop’s Fables real?

  • Yes, Aesop was a real person born in Ancient Greece.
  • The fables are short stories which he invented.

Best Aesop’s Fables stories in English with pictures - Top 10 Aesop’s Fables stories

When we were children, our grandparents would have told us of many stories of Aesop’s Fables. The stories were small, cute and filled with morals. Aesop’s Fables were very intellectual and deep thinking and yet very simple to understand. The morals provided in Aesop’s Fables play a key role during the formative lives of many children.

There are hundreds of stories of Aesop’s Fables and many of them are considered as the best short stories for kids and children.

The stories of Aesop’s Fables are famous in English, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and in every possible language. You can read the top 10 best Aesop’s Fables stories with pictures here in English. These are the best stories of Aesop’s Fables with pictures in English.

Belling the Cat

Once upon a time, there lived a family of mice in a large house. There was papa mouse with fat belly, mama mouse with her tight hair bun, brother mouse with his long teeth, sister mouse with her curly hair, baby mouse with its small paws, grandpa mouse with his black cane and grandma mouse with her white hair. There were also 10 neighbour mice.

In this house, this family had an enemy, a very mean cat. The cat used to chase the mice all the time. The cat would hiss at the mice. The cat would steal their food. The cat would set up mouse traps. The cat would close the mouse holes. He was a very bad cat to the mice.

One day, the papa mouse called the entire family and all the neighbour mice for a meeting.

“Hello everyone! I hope everyone has had their tea and slice of cheese. Good, let us sit down”

All the mice sat down holding their tea and cheese.

“We need to find a way to stop the cat”, said Mayor mouse.

“Yes. Yes. He is chasing all of us. We need to stop her!”

The mice gave many ideas!

“Let us kick her out of the house”, said brother mouse.

“She is so much bigger than us. How can we do that”, asked Grandpa mouse.

“Yes. Yes. The idea won’t work”, said all the mice together.

“We need another idea!”

“Let us put her in a cage”, said sister mouse.

“We don’t have a big cage. How can we do that”, asked Grandma Mouse.

“Yes. Yes. The idea won’t work”, said all the mice together.

 “We need another idea!”

“Let us scare her with fireworks”, said neighbour mouse.

“We don’t have so many fireworks”, asked mayor mouse.

“Yes. Yes. The idea won’t work”, said all the mice together.

 “We need another idea!”

“Let us bring a dog and he’ll scare the cat away”, said sister mouse.

“The dog might scare us too”, said the mayor mouse.

“Yes. Yes. The idea won’t work”, said all the mice together.

 “We need another idea!”

They spoke. They talked. Finally baby mouse came up with an idea.

“I have an idea. This will surely work”, baby mouse said loudly.

“What is the idea? What is the idea?” said all the mice together excitedly.

Baby mouse looked around excitedly and said “Let us put a bell around the cat.”

“But why put a bell? Oh, I don’t understand”, said baker mouse.

Baby mouse said, “Whenever the cat comes, we can hear the bell. When there is the sound of the bell, we can easily run away.”

“That is a wonderful idea” said Mayor Mouse.

“Super Idea!” said Sister Mouse.

“Let us bell the cat”, said all the mice together.

“Wait! Wait! There is a problem with this idea.” said Teacher mouse.

“What, teacher mouse? What is the problem?” said all the mice together.

“Who will bell the cat?” she asked.

 

What is the moral of the story “Belling the Cat”?:  It is one thing to say that something should be done, but quite a different matter to do it.

The Ox and the frogs

Once upon a time, there lived a family of frogs in a pong. There was papa Frog with fat belly and loud croak. There was mama Frog with her large beautiful eyes. There was brother Frog with his long tongue. There was sister Frog with her long nails.

There also were many baby frogs. Grandpa frog always used to read the newspaper. Grandma frog loved to bake. They were a very happy family of frogs.

 

One day, a large ox came to the pond to drink water. SPLAAAASH he walked straight into the pond and drank water. Papa frog and brother frog had gone to work in the fields. All the other frogs had gone to the shop to buy cakes. Only the baby frogs saw the Ox for the first time.

“Woow. You are so big” said one of the baby frogs to the Ox.

“Hello, baby frog. Yes I am very big” said the ox proudly.

“Who are you” asked the baby frog.

“I am the Ox, strong and powerful. I pull the carts for my friend, the farmer”

“Wow. That huge cart over there”, said the baby frog amazed.

“Yes. I can pull it easily even if 10 men sat in it” said the ox proudly.

“There is no bigger animal than the Ox” said one of the baby frogs.

“Indeed”, said all the baby frogs together.

“You are right!” said the Ox.

In the evening when all the frogs came back home, the baby frogs were very excited.

“What happened here? Why are you all excited?” asked papa frog.

“We saw an Ox. He is the biggest animal in the entire world” said one of the baby frogs.

“Hmm. Big was he? Is he bigger than me?” said Papa frog loudly.

“Yes. He is so much bigger” said the baby frog.

Papa frog pulled in his breath and puffed himself up.

“Is he still bigger than me?” said Papa frog loudly.

“Yes. He is so much bigger” said the baby frog.

Papa frog pulled in his breath even more and puffed himself up.

“Is he still bigger than me?” said Papa frog loudly.

“Yes. He is so much bigger” said the baby frog.

Papa frog pulled in his breath even more with great difficulty. He puffed himself up to his biggest size.

“Is he still bigger than me?” said Papa frog loudly.

“Yes. He is so much bigger” said the baby frog.

Papa frog pulled in his breath one last time. He puffed himself up so much that he exploded.

 

What is the moral of the story “Ox and the Frogs”? Do not attempt the impossible.

The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

There was once a very happy Country Mouse who lived in the country side. He lived in a tiny house in a hole under a tree. His bed was made of straw and cotton. His table was a small box and his chairs were small round pebbles.

Once during the summer, his friend from the big city visited him. The country mouse was very happy and served him fresh seeds from the trees, wheat stalks and juicy roots. He also gave him a thimble of cold water and an acorn for dessert.

The city mouse was not very happy and nibbled here and there just to be polite. In the evening, the city mouse and the country mouse were chatting sitting in the open field.

The town mouse spoke about all about the city and all its luxuries.

 

“What do you get to eat in the town, Mr City Mouse” asked the country mouse.

“Oh but the best of everything”, he said proudly, “the finest of cheese and bread, the sweetest of pudding, the crunchiest of nuts and even the most tender meat”

“Oh wow. That is so delightful.”

“Yes indeed. A city mouse is the happiest mouse since we get the tastiest of food”

 

“Where do you sleep in the city, Mr City Mouse” asked the country mouse.

“Oh but the best”, he said proudly, “the softest of bed made of silk and sponge. One can sleep forever in such a bed”

“Oh wow. That is so delightful.”

“Yes indeed. A city mouse is the happiest mouse since we get the softest of beds.”

 

“What do you do when you are bored, Mr City Mouse” asked the country mouse.

“Oh but the best”, he said proudly, “I can go to the markets. I can go the theatre. I can relax in the garden”

“Oh wow. That is so delightful.”

“Yes indeed. A city mouse is the happiest mouse since we get the best entertainment”

 

They spoke and spoke and finally went to sleep. The city mouse saw the straw bed and was very unhappy. Thankfully it was quiet and he was able to sleep well. The next morning, the city mouse asked the country mouse.

“Dear Country Mouse, would you like to visit the city?” and the country mouse was very happy and agreed.

The City Mouse took the country mouse to his home. It was just as he described, a hole in the wall of a huge mansion. The house was huge and filled with velvet and silk. The country mouse was very happy.

They went up the table and the table was filled with cheese and butter and fruits and jellies and nuts. When the country mouse was just about to eat a bite, they heard a loud mew of a cat. They ran and hid in the wall in fear until the cat went away.

They went up the table again to eat. When the country mouse was just about to eat a bite, they heard a loud bark of a dog. They ran and hid in the wall in fear until the dog went away.

They went up the table once more to eat. When the country mouse was just about to eat a bite, the door opened and many people came in. They ran once more and hid in the wall in fear.

“Come, we can eat outside in the market” said the City Mouse and they went to the market. There were so many people there. The country mouse was almost stepped on so many times. They ran back to their home and ate some old bread.

The country mouse packed his bags and said to the town mouse “You can have all the luxuries and the tastiest of food. You may have the best of markets and the softest of beds. I only want the safety of my home where I can walk out and feel like a king.”

 

What is the Moral of the story “The town mouse and the country mouse”? Poverty with security is better than plenty in the midst of fear and uncertainty.

Akbar and Birbal

  1. All Akbar and Birbal Short Stories
  2. Who were Akbar and Birbal? About Akbar and Birbal.
  3. History of Akbar and Birbal
  4. Best Akbar and Birbal stories in English with pictures – Top 10 Akbar and Birbal stories
  5. Akbar and Birbal short stories PDF
  6. Akbar and Birbal short stories PPT

Who was Akbar and Birbal? About Akbar and Birbal.

When we were children, our grandparents would have told us of many stories of Akbar and Birbal. Birbal was a very intelligent man, very witty and quick on his feet. Birbal was very smart and very kind and he helped his King Akbar a lot. Akbar and Birbal short stories play an important role model for many children as everyone want to be smart.

So what is the story behind the great Akbar and Birbal? Who were Akbar and Birbal? Why are the short stories on Akbar and Birbal so famous? What is the history behind the great Akbar and Birbal. Let us learn about the history of Akbar and Birbal.

History of Akbar and Birbal:

Who was Akbar

  1. “Abu’l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar” was popularly known as Akbar the Great
  2. Emperor Akbar was the third Mughal emperor, who reigned from 1556 to 1605.
  3. Emperor Akbar succeeded his father, Humayun,
  4. Birbal’s real name was “Garlapati Ramakrishna”.

Who was Birbal

  1. The real name of Birbal or Raja Birbal was Mahesh Das
  2. Birbal was an advisor and main commander for King Akbar.
  3. Birbal was the best friend and advisor of Emperor Akbar
  4. Birbal was one of his most important courtiers, part of a group called the navaratnas (nine jewels)

When were Akbar and Birbal Born?

  • The Birth Date of Birbal was 1528
  • The Birth Date of Akbar was 1542

What is Akbar and Birbal’s real name?

  • Akbar’s Real Name was “Abu’l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar”
  • The real name of Birbal or Raja Birbal was Mahesh Das

Where Birbal born?

  • Birbal was born in a small village called Ghoghra in Madhya Pradesh

Are the stories of Akbar and Birbal real?

  • Yes, Akbar and Birbal were real persons born in India
  • Akbar was one of the most important kings of India and Birbal was his courtier

When did Akbar and Birbal die?

  • Akbar died in 1605
  • Akbar was 63 years old when he died.
  • Birbal died in 1586
  • Birbal was 57-58 years old when he died.

Best Akbar and Birbal stories in English with pictures - Top 10 Akbar and Birbal stories

When we were children, our grandparents would have told us of many stories of Akbar and Birbal. Birbal was the trusted advisor of Akbar and he was an intelligent man, very witty and quick on his feet. Akbar was very smart as well and was very generous. He played many tricks and posed many questions to Birbal and they shared a great relationship. Akbar and Birbal was a role model for many children as everyone wants to be smart.

So what is the story of the great Akbar and Birbal? Who was Akbar and Birbal? Why is Akbar and Birbal so famous? There are hundreds of stories of Akbar and Birbal and many of them are considered as the best Indian short stories for kids and children.

The stories of Akbar and Birbal are famous in English, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and in every possible language. You can read the top 10 best Akbar and Birbal stories with pictures here in English. These are the best stories of Akbar and Birbal with pictures in English.

The Farmer and his Well

Once upon a time, there was a farmer who wanted to water his crops. Since the river was far away, he wanted to buy a well. There was a rich man who owned a well.

The farmer purchased the well from the rich man for a price of 5 silver coins. The rich man was very cunning and wanted to cheat the farmer. He wanted to earn more money.

The next day, the farmer went to the well with a bucket to draw water from the well. The rich man was standing outside the well and was smiling broadly.

The rich man said, “I have sold you only the well and not the water. If you want to take water from the well, you must pay me one silver coin every week.”

The poor man tried to argue but the rich man refused to listen. The rich man had many servants and the poor man could not fight the rich man for the water.

Not knowing what to do, the poor man began to cry. His neighbour saw him and said, “My dear friend, go to King Akbar and ask for justice. King Akbar is a great king and he shall help you.”

The poor man went to the king and complained about the rich man. Akbar listened patiently and looked at his minister Birbal.

Birbal said, “My Lord, I shall take care of this. I shall go and pay a visit to this man.”

Birbal was a very famous minster who was known for his intelligence and wit. He went with the farmer to the rich man’s house.

The rich man laughed and explained to Birbal, “Dear Birbal. I have only sold the well and not the water. If I sell a pot, should I also give away whatever is inside? That is not fair”

Birbal said, “You are absolutely right. Does the water belong to you?”

The rich man said, “Of course it does.”

Birbal said, “Then your water is occupying the well belonging to the farmer. You must pay him 2 silver coins weekly as rent.”

The rich man realized that he could not cheat the farmer anymore. He apologized to the farmer and to Birbal. He also paid the farmer 1 silver coin as a penalty.

Moral: “Ability proves itself by deeds.”

The Magic Stick

Once upon a time, a rich merchant was robbed in the Akbar’s kingdom. The merchant was very upset and wanted justice. He went to court and asked King Akbar for help.

King Akbar said, “Dear Birbal, please help this man. Recover the money and jewellery for him.”

Birbal said, “Yes, my lord. Dear merchant. Is there anyone you suspect?”

The Merchant said, “Oh dear Birbal, I believe that one of my servants must have done it since only they can enter my house. No one else can enter my house.”

Birbal went to the merchant’s house and asked the merchant to call all his servants. The servants stood in a straight line.

Birbal said, “Among one of you is a robber. I shall give you each a magic stick. This stick belonging to all the innocent servants was not grow in length. The stick belonging to the guilty servant shall become longer by 2 inches.”

The next day, Birbal called all the servants into the room and asked them to give their sticks. One stick was 2 inches smaller and the other sticks were of the same size.

Birbal called the servant with the shorter stick and said, “This man is the thief.”

The merchant asked, “But how did you find out that he is the thief?”

Birbal said, “It is very simple. It is only an ordinary stick. The thief believed that the stick was a magic growing stick. So he broke off 2 inches so that it would remain the same size.”

Moral: Truth always prevails.

Water or Milk

Once upon a time, King Akbar was taking a walk in his garden with his favourite minister Birbal. King Akbar was a very just and fair king and so he always believed that his people loved him.

King Akbar said, “Birbal. I believe that my people respect me since I am a good king. I believe that everyone in my kingdom loves me because I am a great king and am just and fair.”

Birbal said, “My dear King, you are right. Everyone in the kingdom loves you which is why they do not leave the kingdom and go elsewhere. They however also fear you.”

King Akbar frowned and said, “That is not possible. How can one love me and fear me at the same time? I do not believe it.”

Birbal said, “Let me prove it to you, my King.”

The next day, Akbar announced to his people that he was going on a very dangerous hunt. He would be hunting a dangerous and mad elephant.

King Akbar said, “There is a large tub in the center of the city. If you love me, pour one glass of milk inside the tub and pray for me.”

King Akbar pretended to leave the city and came back one day later. The tub was filled with milk which was mixed with water.

The next day, Akbar announced to his people that he was again going on a dangerous hunt. He would be hunting the same dangerous and mad elephant.

King Akbar said, “There is the same large tub in the center of the city. If you love me, pour one glass of milk inside the tub and pray for me. I shall check who is pouring the milk and who is not.”

King Akbar pretended to leave the city and came back one day later. The tub was filled with pure milk.

Birbal said, “I have proved that your people love and fear you. The first time, there were many who poured water into the tub hoping that the others would pour milk. You did not say anything about checking. They still loved you and wanted to fill the tub. The next day, they filled it up with pure milk since they feared what would happen if they were caught.”

Akbar and Birbal short stories PDF

  • There are hundreds of stories of how Akbar and Birbal and many others are considered as the best Indian short stories for kids and children.
  • The stories of Akbar and Birbal are famous in English, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and in every possible language.
  • You can download the free PDF file of the top 10 best Akbar and Birbal stories in English here.
  • These are the best stories of Akbar and Birbal with pictures in English.

Tenali Raman

  • All Tenali Raman Short Stories
  • Who was Tenali Raman? About Tenali Raman.
  • History of Tenali Raman
  • Best Tenali Raman stories in English with pictures – Top 10 Tenali Raman stories
  • Tenali Raman short stories PDF
  • Tenali Raman short stories PPT

Who was Tenali Raman? About Tenali Raman.

  • When we were children, our grandparents would have told us of many stories of Tenali Raman. He was an intelligent man, very witty and quick on his feel. Tenali Raman was very smart and yet very generous. Tenali Raman was a role model for many children as everyone wants to be smart.

    So what is the story of the great Tenali Raman? Who was Tenali Raman? Why is Tenali Raman so famous? What is the history of Tenali Raman. Let us learn about the history of Tenali Raman.

    History of Tenali Raman

    1. Tenali Raman’s real name was “Garlapati Ramakrishna”.
    2. Tenali Raman was a very famous Indian poet, scholar, thinker and an advisor in the court of Sri Krishnadevaraya.

    When was Tenali Raman Born?

    • The Birth Date of Tenali Raman was September 22, 1480

    What is Tenali Raman’s real name?

    • Tenali Raman Real Name was Garlapati Ramakrishna

    Where was Tenali Raman born?

    • Tenali Raman was born in a small village called Tenali in Andhra Pradesh

    Is Tenali Raman real?

    • Yes, Tenali Raman was a real person born in India

    Who is Tenali Raman?

    1. Tenali Raman was one of the Ashtadiggajas or the eight poets at the court of krishnadevaraya, the Vijayanagar emperor.
    2. He was also a minister of the court.

    What is the Caste of Tenali Raman?

    1. Tenali Raman was of Brahmin Caste.
    2. He was born into a Telugu speaking Niyogi Hindu Brahmin family caste.

    When did Tenali Raman die?

    • Tenali Raman died in 1528
    • Tenali Raman was 48 years old when he died.

    How did Tenali Raman die?

    • Tenali Raman died because he was bit by a snake

Best Tenali Raman stories in English with pictures - Top 10 Tenali Raman stories

When we were children, our grandparents would have told us of many stories of Tenali Raman. He was an intelligent man, very witty and quick on his feel. Tenali Raman was very smart and yet very generous. Tenali Raman was a role model for many children as everyone wants to be smart.

So what is the story of the great Tenali Raman? Who was Tenali Raman? Why is Tenali Raman so famous? There are hundreds of stories of Tenali Raman and many of them are considered as the best Indian short stories for kids and children.

The stories of Tenali Raman are famous in English, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and in every possible language. You can read the top 10 best Tenali Raman stories with pictures here in English. These are the best stories of Tenali Raman with pictures in English.

Tenali Raman and the Weight lifter

This is the story of how Tenali Raman or Tenali Ramakrishnan taught humility to a wrestler who was very arrogant.

Image courtesy: Mocomi

One day, Tenali Raman and his wife were on their way to a famous temple. It was a long journey that would take 3 full days. They stopped at a village on the way to sleep for the night.

Tenali Raman was surprised to see a huge crowd in the middle of the village. Everyone in the village had gathered to watch a weightlifter. The weightlifter had huge big arms and muscles. He picked up a 200 kg bag of rice easily.

Tenali Raman was very impressed and exclaimed, “You are very strong!”

The Weightlifter said, “Of course I am, you puny man! I am the strongest man in the world. Nobody can do what I do.”

Tenali Raman was not offended. He smiled and decided that he would teach the weightlifter a lesson on humility.

Tenali Raman said, “You think you are strong? Ha Ha. I can carry something even heavier. I will do what Lord Krishna did. I will carry this entire hill on my bare shoulders!”

The weightlifter started to laugh and said, “Ok I accept your offer and I want to see you fail.”

Tenali Raman said, “I will be performing the feat in the morning. To help me prepare, I need a comfortable place to stay, food to eat and a massage.”

Everyone wanted to see Tenali Raman perform this feat. The Weightlifter agreed to pay for him and his wife. He had the best food and a long massage and woke up in the morning fully refreshed.

The entire village folk were waiting at the base of the hill. They were waiting to see Tenali Raman carrying the hill.

Tenali Raman stood next to the weightlifter and said, “Well, why are we waiting?”

The weightlifter said, “You are supposed to pick up the hill! We are waiting for you.”

Tenali Raman said, “I never said I would pick up the hill. I said that I can carry it on my shoulders. Someone please place it on my shoulders so that I can carry it.”

The weightlifter and the villagers began to laugh as they understood what Tenali Raman had done.

The weightlifter said, “I respect you for your intelligence. A man as intelligent as you should not be asked to carry anything except the world.”

Tenali Raman and the Jinx

This is the story of how Tenali Raman or Tenali Ramakrishnan taught the King that we should not believe in Superstitions.

 Image courtesy: Mocomi

Tenali Raman was a famous minister in the court of King Krishnadevaraya, the ruler of Vijayanagar. Tenali Raman was very famous for his wit and humour. He played a lot of practical jokes on people and made them understand about life.

There once lived a man called Ramaya in the town of Vijayanagar. There was a rumour that anyone who saw the face of Ramaya in the morning would not be able to eat anything throughout the day. All the people of Vijayanagar avoided Ramaya all the time. This made him very sad.

One day, the news also reached the king’s ears. He wanted to find out the truth for himself and went to see Ramaya early in the morning. When Ramaya woke up, he saw the King sitting in front of him wearing a blindfold. The King removed his blindfold and Ramaya was the first face that he saw. Tenali Raman also heard what the King and decided that he would play a prank on the king.

In the morning, the king sat to have his breakfast. Suddenly a minister rushed in and said, “My King, the queen is very ill and wishes that you come and see her immediately.”

He did not eat his breakfast and rushed to the Queen’s room. The queen was lying down holding her stomach and crying. The king sat next to her for the next two hours after which she said that her pain was now fully gone.

The King was very hungry and it was already lunch time. He asked for food to be served. The chef brought him very tasty food. The King was about to take his first bite when he noticed that there was a large bee in his food. He threw the plate on the floor and screamed at the chef.

The chef bent down and collected the food. He looked confused and said, “My King, but there is no bee here. Please look at the food.”

 There was no bee in the food. King Krishnadevaraya was confused. He did see a bee and now it was not there. By the time the food was cooked for the second time, it was another two hours. The King had lost his appetite.

The king realized that whatever the people said were true. Ramaya was jinxed. He ordered his soldiers to hang Ramaya immediately.

The soldiers did not want to hang Ramaya as he was innocent. However they could not go against the King. They took Ramaya into jail, when they met Tenali Raman on the way. Tenali whispered something in Ramaya’s ear and Ramaya smiled.

In the evening Ramaya was asked about his last wish. Ramaya said that he wanted to send a message to the king. He requested them not to hang him until the king responds to him.

Ramaya said to the soldiers, “Tell the king that my curse is a terrible curse and it passes on. If someone kills me, then anyone who sees the King’s face in the morning will lose their appetite. Tell him that if I am jinxed then he will also be.”

The king was speechless when he heard Ramaya’s words. He did not believe Ramaya but he could not take a chance.  He stopped the execution immediately. The King was very confused on what to do.

Tenali Raman said, “My King. Do you see what has happened?” 

The King did not understand and said, “I do not understand Tenali. The man is cursed and I cannot hang him.”

Tenali Raman said, “The curse is not real. I played a prank on you to show you that we should not believe superstitions. No man in this world is cursed.”

He was ashamed of his ignorance. At once he called Ramaya and offered him a lot of gifts. The King also made an announcement in the kingdom that Ramaya was not cursed.