Folk-Tales of the Khasis by Mrs. Rafy

(6 User reviews)   785
By Penelope Lefevre Posted on Jan 17, 2026
In Category - Drawing
Rafy, Mrs. Rafy, Mrs.
English
Hey, I just finished reading this collection of stories from the Khasi hills in Northeast India, and I have to tell you about it. It's not just a bunch of old tales – it feels like stepping into a completely different world. The book is packed with clever animals, tricky spirits, and explanations for why things are the way they are, from why tigers have stripes to how the sun and moon chase each other. The coolest part is how these stories aren't just entertainment; they're the rulebook for a whole society. They show you what the Khasis people valued, what they feared, and how they made sense of their place in the mountains. It's like finding a key to understanding a culture through its imagination. If you're tired of the same old fairy tales and want something fresh, strange, and full of wisdom, you should definitely check this out.
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Mrs. Rafy's book isn't one continuous story, but a gathering of many short tales from the Khasi people. Think of it as a friend sharing the stories her grandmother told her. You'll meet U Sier Lapalang, a legendary stag whose death teaches a lesson about grief. You'll see how the tiger got its stripes thanks to a cunning frog, and why the sun and moon never meet. There are stories about the first man and woman, clever insects outsmarting larger animals, and spirits that live in stones and rivers. Each tale is a small, complete world, often explaining a natural feature or a social custom.

Why You Should Read It

This book surprised me. I went in expecting simple fables, but found something much richer. The stories are sharp and often funny, but they carry real weight. You can see the Khasi respect for nature, their clever humor, and their deep connection to their land in every page. It's not just about what happens in the story, but why the story was told. Was it to teach children to be brave? To explain why you shouldn't waste food? To remember a hero? Reading it feels less like studying and more like listening in on generations of conversation.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect book for anyone with a curious mind. If you love mythology, world cultures, or just a really good story, you'll find something here. It's especially great if you feel like you've read all the Greek and Norse myths and want to explore something new. The language is clear and the tales are short, making it easy to dip in and out. Just be ready – some of these clever animal tricks and ancient explanations will stick with you long after you close the book.



ℹ️ Public Domain Content

This digital edition is based on a public domain text. Thank you for supporting open literature.

Oliver Wright
10 months ago

Having read this twice, the character development leaves a lasting impact. Worth every second.

Joseph Ramirez
1 year ago

This book was worth my time since it challenges the reader's perspective in an intellectual way. One of the best books I've read this year.

Anthony Miller
1 year ago

The layout is very easy on the eyes.

Ava Thomas
1 year ago

I came across this while browsing and the depth of research presented here is truly commendable. One of the best books I've read this year.

Charles Smith
1 year ago

Perfect.

4.5
4.5 out of 5 (6 User reviews )

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