If you grew up in a Manipuri household, you know exactly which story I’m talking about. 🦊 Long ago, in a quiet leikai (locality), there lived an old Eteima who survived on a small vegetable garden and the milk from her only goat. Every day, she would carry a little kharé (earthen pot) of milk to the market.
Let’s not let these whispers of wisdom die in the digital noise. I still remember my own Eteima laughing at the fox’s burnt tongue. She would say, “Thabironi mathubu — Lairemaki wahe!” (The fox deserved it — it’s the goddess’s justice.) Leikai Eteima Mathu Nabagi Wari Facebook Story -
But a sly mathu (fox) watched her every move. One day, the fox approached Eteima and said in its sweetest voice: “Eteima, your feet look tired. Let me carry your pot. I am strong and fast!” The innocent Eteima agreed. But halfway, the fox secretly drank half the milk, then pretended to trip, spilling the rest. “Oh no! The stones made me fall!” it lied. If you grew up in a Manipuri household,
Leikai Eteima Mathu Nabagi Wari – A Timeless Tale of Wit, Greed & Wisdom Let’s not let these whispers of wisdom die
So here’s my Facebook Story to her, and to every Eteima who taught us that a sharp mind is sharper than any fox’s tooth.
Record it. Share it. Tag it with #LeikaiEteima #MathuNabagiWari #ManipuriFolktales.