Once upon a time there was an old merchant who was living in a little village with his only son and a donkey. His donkey had just given birth to her foal.
There was something strange about this little donkey. One of his ears was much smaller than the other one, almost the same size as a little mouse’s ear. Also his front teeth were much larger than usual. He looked unusual, but somehow cute. The merchant wanted to sell the foal, but his son loved the little donkey and wanted to look after him.
So the merchant decided to keep the little donkey. The son called him Donkute and used to take him everywhere he went, even when he wanted to play with his friends. He was such an obedient pet and was kind to the little boy and his friends. Everyone used to laugh at the little donkey because of his ear and teeth. Of course he didn’t know the reason for their laughter and thought they were just being friendly.
The son tried so hard to keep Donkute away from any lake or spring, so that he wouldn’t see his own reflection in the water and feel sad.
One day the son was playing with his friends, while the little donkey was standing by an old cedar tree. A wicked wolf was passing by when he suddenly saw the donkey.
He quietly walked close to Donkute and said “Good morning my dear friend. Why are you standing here all alone?”
“I’m watching my master play with his friends.” said the donkey.
“I have a better idea. Chasing after big butterflies is so much fun. It keeps you amused for hours!” said the wolf. “They guide us to so many nice places with lots of fresh juicy fruits to eat.”
“Good idea. I’m also a bit bored and hungry.” said Donkute.
So the wicked wolf started running after the colourful butterflies. Donkute followed him without even thinking that his master might be looking for him and get worried.
Finally they reached a bright blue lake, which was surrounded by lots of fruit trees and flowers. While Donkute was so busy eating the juicy apples he suddenly saw his own reflection in the water. He turned his head from left to right and right to left, trying to see both ears. He was quite puzzled and didn’t know the reason why his ears look different from one another. His huge front teeth looked so weird that made him open and close his mouth a few times to see if that would make a difference.
Donkute suddenly realised why everyone laughed when they saw him. While he was busy trying to find answers, the wicked wolf was thinking of how best he can eat the little donkey. He slowly approached Donkute from behind and got very close to him. The donkey suddenly saw the wolf’s reflection in the water and realised the wolf’s intentions. As Donkute started running away to safety, he saw his master running towards the lake, followed by all his friends. They had all come to his rescue.
The vicious wolf started running away as soon as he saw them coming. The boy ran towards his little pet and put his arms around him. Other children also gathered around Donkute and gave him lots of cuddles.
Donkute wasn’t sad anymore, when he saw how much everyone loved him. He then realised that it doesn’t matter how you look on the outside, it’s the inside that counts and makes everyone love and respect you.
Tassel Tales 