The Judge Rabbit
Khmer Folktales & Fables (B1)The Tiger and the Traveler
One day, a farmer was walking through the forest when he found a tiger caught in a strong trap. The tiger cried out, "Please, human! Help me! If you open this trap, I promise I will not hurt you."
The farmer was a kind man, so he opened the trap. But as soon as the tiger was free, he grabbed the farmer. "I am very hungry," roared the tiger. "I am going to eat you now!"
"That is ungrateful!" cried the farmer. "You promised not to hurt me."
They agreed to ask a judge to decide who was right. First, they asked a big tree. The tree said, "Humans chop down my branches. Life is hard. Eat him." The farmer felt desperate.
Finally, they met Sophea Tonsay, the wise rabbit. The rabbit listened carefully. "I am confused," said the rabbit, scratching his ear. "I cannot make a fair decision unless I see exactly how it happened. Tiger, show me where you were."
Thinking the rabbit was stupid, the tiger jumped back into the cage. "I was inside like this!" shouted the tiger.
Quickly, Sophea Tonsay locked the door. He looked at the farmer and smiled. "Now the problem is solved," said the rabbit. "Leave the ungrateful tiger there, and go home safely."
In Western stories, the Owl is often the symbol of wisdom. However, in Cambodian culture, the Rabbit (Sophea Tonsay) is the symbol of wisdom and justice. He is not strong physically, but he uses his intelligence to protect the weak from the strong.