The Snake and the Farmer
A farmer and a snake meet in a traditional tale about decisions and what follows.
A story to read together
The Snake and the Farmer
Take your time. Let the story unfold.
Ramu was a kind farmer who worked hard and shared what he could with his neighbors. One afternoon, his spade struck an old pot buried beside a field. Inside were gold coins, and nearby a cobra watched from the grass. Ramu stayed a safe distance away and did not disturb it.
A careful agreement
Ramu found one coin beside the pot the next morning. He wondered if the snake had left it there. He took only a small amount from the pot and left the rest untouched.
A warning remembered
Before a trip to town, Ramu told his son Gopal about the pot and the cobra. “Keep your distance,” he said. “Do not try to take everything. We have enough, and we must respect a wild animal’s space.”
Greed brings danger
When the cobra appeared, Gopal stepped too close and reached for the pot. The frightened snake struck at him. Gopal jumped back, stung by a painful bite.
What was truly valuable
Ramu was thankful that Gopal was safe. He reminded him that gold was never worth risking a life or frightening an animal. Gopal felt sorry and promised to think before acting.
The end
After the final page
There is no single right answer. Invite young readers to notice, wonder and imagine.
What choice does the farmer make?
What clues help you understand the characters’ actions?
What warning did Ramu give Gopal, and what might Gopal have done differently?
Make something: Make a two-part picture: show a safe choice near a wild animal and an unsafe one. Add a caption explaining the difference.
