A pregnant doe asks to postpone her turn to be killed. A deer king from another herd goes in her place.
Moved by the king’s willingness to protect another life, the human ruler grants protection. The deer asks that this care extend beyond a single individual.
Adapted from Ellen C. Babbitt, Jataka Tales (1912), chapter XII · Source text & illustration
Fables use imaginary events to invite reflection; interpretations vary.
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The Princes at the Lake
Understand the question and respond with care for everyone involved.