Folk-Tales of the Khasis by Mrs. Rafy
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.
This digital edition is based on a public domain text. Thank you for supporting open literature.
Mary Lewis
5 months agoThe formatting on this digital edition is flawless.