THE CLEVER WIFE’S MORTAR TRICK
This is a funny folktale from Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India known for its rich traditions, delicious food, and colourful festivals. Folktales like this were told by elders to make people laugh while also teaching a lesson.
Long ago, in a small village, there lived a poor but kind man named Ponnan. He didn’t have much, but he always shared whatever little food he had—even with strangers! His wife often scolded him, saying,
“Please think of our family! You keep bringing strangers home for lunch. What will we eat?”
But Ponnan’s heart was too big to say no.
One morning, after Ponnan left for work, his wife saw two men coming towards their hut, rubbing their stomachs. She guessed Ponnan had invited them for lunch again. “Oh no, not today!” she thought, frowning.
Just then, her eyes fell on the large mortar and pestle she used to pound rice in. An idea lit up her face.
She dragged the heavy mortar to the middle of the room, scrubbed it clean until it shone, and smeared bright saffron paste on top. Then, she draped a fresh flower garland around it. Soon, it looked like a sacred idol being worshipped!
She sat cross-legged in front of it, rocking it gently and chanting strange-sounding mantras. Her ears pricked up as the men stepped inside.
“Ah, here comes the feast!” whispered one man to the other. But they froze when they saw the decorated mortar and pestle.
“What’s going on here?” one asked nervously.
Ponnan’s wife smiled sweetly. “Didn’t my husband tell you? This is his special deity. It’s… unusual.”
“Unusual? How?” they asked.
Lowering her voice, she said slowly, “It demands… human blood.”
The men’s eyes grew wide with fear. “Yes,” she continued, “My husband brings guests home, then hits them on the head with the pestle to offer their blood!”
Terrified, the men turned and ran out—just as Ponnan returned.
Ponnan saw them running and asked his wife, “What happened?”
“They wanted the pestle,” she said casually, “but I refused to give it.”
“What? You silly woman!” cried Ponnan, grabbing the pestle. “Wait! Take the pestle!” he shouted, running after them.
The poor guests, already frightened out of their wits, thought Ponnan was indeed chasing them with the deadly pestle. They ran faster and faster until they disappeared from sight, never to trouble Ponnan’s family again.
When Ponnan returned home, puzzled, his wife burst out laughing and told him the whole story. At last, even Ponnan had to smile and admit, “Today, your cleverness has fed us better than my kindness!”
That evening, the family enjoyed their simple meal in peace—thanks to the wife’s quick wit and presence of mind.
Moral of the Story:
Quick thinking and cleverness can save you from difficult situations. Wisdom is sometimes more valuable than strength or wealth.
