One stormy night, a hungry jackal wandered into a village searching for food. The rain poured in sheets, and thunder roared across the sky. Frightened by the barking of dogs, the jackal ran for cover and jumped into the nearest hut — straight into a large vat of blue dye used by a cloth dyer!

When the storm passed and he stepped outside, all the animals stared at him in awe. His fur had turned a brilliant shade of blue!

“Who is this strange, shining creature?” whispered the deer. “Perhaps he is sent by the gods!” said the peacock, bowing.

Realizing their fear, the jackal puffed out his chest and said proudly, “Yes, I am the ruler sent by the heavens. From now on, you shall obey me!”

The animals believed him. They made him king and served him fruits and meat. The blue jackal sat grandly under a tree, pretending to be wise.

But one night, he heard other jackals howling in the distance. Forgetting himself, he lifted his head and howled too— “Awooo!”

At once, the animals knew the truth. “This is no divine creature! It’s just a jackal in disguise!” they shouted, chasing him out of the forest.

The blue jackal ran for his life, never to return again.