Читать книгу The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures: The Ultimate A–Z of Fantastic Beings from Myth and Magic - John Matthews - Страница 362
CHATURDANTA
ОглавлениеIn Indian tradition, Chaturdanta is the name of the elephant who led his herd to the only source of water in the middle of drought. As the elephants came to the lake, they trampled many animals including the hares. Silimukha, the king of the hares, sent his eloquent hare messenger, Vijaya, to persuade the elephants to seek some other place. Vijaya climbed up onto a rock and spoke to Chaturdanta saying, ‘I am the ambassador of Silimukha, the moon, who says to you that you have defiled the cool waters of my lake and killed my people. If you do this again, you shall receive my punishment.’ ’ Chaturdanta swore never to do this again, so Vijaya took him to visit Silimukha but instead led the great elephant to the still lake. Looking into the waters, Chaturdanta bowed low, swearing to keep his oath.