Echo

One day, a little dog wandered deep into the mountains. Gloomy, bare cliffs loomed over the narrow path. It grew cold and dark.

The little dog had heard from its owner many times how high and harsh these mountains were, how many brave people had perished under avalanches and at the bottom of chasms, so it was no wonder that the dog now felt uneasy. But it considered itself brave and, not wanting to show its cowardice, mustered its courage and let out a few barks. The mountain echo repeated its bark exactly. But the dog thought it was the mountain itself answering.

Feeling proud, the little dog looked at the mountain with disdain and said loudly:
"Though this mountain is tall, its voice is no louder than mine. If foolish people hadn't spread scary tales about it, there would be no difference between us."

This boastful speech was heard by thunder from a cloud drifting over the mountain, and unable to contain its indignation, it rumbled:
"What are you babbling about?"

And the enormous mountain echoed repeatedly:
"What are you babbling about?"

The poor little dog, nearly deafened, stammered:
"I... I... nothing..."

And with its tail between its legs, it bolted home without looking back.

More fairy tales

• The Miser
• The Magic Cauldron
• The Kind Daughter-in-Law
• The Legend of Meng Jiangnu
• The Tiger and the Buffalo