Jataka Crane Crab

tale:jataka_crane_crab

A crane, too old to fish, tells the fish of a coming drought and offers to carry them to a fine deep lake, but eats each one behind a rock. When a wary crab asks to be carried, it loops its claws about the crane's neck; finding the heap of bones, it grips tight and beheads the deceiver. Moral: the trickster meets his end in the one he cannot deceive. — Jataka tale