The Animal Kingdom’s Most Unusual Challenge
In the heart of the Animal Kingdom, there was a wise king with a beloved daughter. To find a suitor worthy of her, he devised a unique challenge: only a man who could endure immense pain for her would win her hand in marriage. The king announced that whoever could drink a cup of scalding hot water would marry his daughter.
The King’s Clever Plan and the Town’s Reaction
Confident that no animal could complete the challenge, ensuring his daughter’s eternal stay in the palace, the king shared his plan with the town crier. The kingdom was abuzz. Many animals laughed, skeptical that anyone would attempt such a feat. However, determined creatures like the Lizard, Goat, Lion, Tortoise, Rat, and Serpent began their preparations.
The Princess’s Concern and the King’s Assurance
Upon hearing her father’s plan, the princess confronted him, questioning his intentions. The king assured her that his decision was for her benefit, believing a man willing to endure such pain would truly love her more than she could imagine.
The Intense Preparations and Tortoise’s Unique Strategy
As the competition day neared, animals trained rigorously, testing their limits with hot water. Tortoise, however, took a different approach. He strolled around, mocking the others while secretly visiting the princess with gifts hidden in his shell, convincing her of its magical properties.
The Day of the Hot Water Challenge
On the competition day, the kingdom gathered eagerly. Spectators, competitors, the confident king, and the nervous princess watched as a massive cauldron was set over a roaring fire. A priest tested the water with a strand of grass, which turned brown, signaling it was ready.
The Animals’ Struggles and the Lizard’s Attempt
One by one, the animals approached the cauldron. Each failed, unable to withstand the heat. The king, pleased, was about to declare the end of the challenge when Lizard stepped forward. Holding the cup without flinching, he shocked the crowd. But as he drank, he coughed violently, burning his esophagus. Despite repeated attempts, he couldn’t swallow the water, injuring himself further.
The Legend of the Lizard’s Nodding
This explains why, to this day, the lizard nods its head, a lingering consequence of the hot water and its struggle to swallow even air.
Tortoise’s Bold Move and Declaration of Love
Just as the king prepared to end the challenge, Tortoise stepped forward. Accepting the hot cup, he declared to the king, “All who failed are not as strong as me. Today, I drink this hot water to prove my love for your daughter!”
He then turned to the princess, proclaiming, “I profess my love for you by burning my throat with this hot water. My love for you burns hotter than fire and transcends pain.”
The Tortoise’s Triumphant Moment
Facing the king, he asked, “Can you see how hot it is?” He repeated the question to the princess and then circled the square, shouting about the water’s heat. Ensuring everyone heard,
Then he walked to the Princess and spoke. “Here, I profess how much I love you by burning my throat with this hot water. My love for your burns hotter than the fire and transcends pain.”
When he was sure that the kingdom had heard how hot the water was, he returned to the king, a determined look in his eyes, and gulped down the water.
The Kingdom’s Praise and the King’s Promise
The kingdom erupted in praise. Bound by his promise, the king married his daughter to Tortoise, celebrating his bravery and love.
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