The Tale of the Mischievous Badger

Many years ago, a peaceful elderly couple decided to leave behind the chaos of city life and settle in the quiet, remote mountains, far from any other civilization. They longed for a life of tranquility, where they could tend to their farm and enjoy the beauty of nature. For a while, their life was peaceful, and their rice and vegetable fields flourished. But their serenity was shattered by an unexpected and persistent visitor: a mischievous badger.

Every night, the badger would sneak into the couple's farm, systematically destroying their crops. The damage grew worse over time, leaving a trail of ruin across their once-thriving fields. Determined to put an end to the badger's tricks, the kind-hearted couple devised a plan. They set traps and waited patiently, night after night, hoping to capture the creature and restore peace to their beloved farm. One day, the farmer's persistence paid off. While inspecting the farm, he discovered the badger trapped in a hole he had dug. With a mix of relief and determination, he captured the troublemaker, tied it up securely, and brought it back to the farm. The badger’s mischief would end—he would make sure of it.

The farmer tied the badger to a beam in the farm's storehouse, then left for the fields, his mind set on finishing his daily tasks. Meanwhile, the badger found itself in a difficult situation. The prospect of becoming the farmer's dinner that evening was terrifying, and the badger, desperate to escape, began to plot a way out. As the badger schemed, the farmer's wife was busy nearby, preparing mochi, a traditional rice cake. Though kind and gentle, she was aging and showed signs of fatigue. She had a trusting nature and could not suspect any ill intentions from others. Seizing this opportunity, the badger sweetly promised the elderly woman that if she freed him, he would help with her daily chores, lightening her burden.

Touched by the badger's offer and convinced of his sincerity, the woman released him from his bonds and handed him the wooden mallet she had been using to pound rice. She suggested that he start working while she rested. But instead of keeping his word, the badger turned on the kind woman. In a heartless act of betrayal, he struck her down with the heavy mallet, ending her life. Using his ability to change shape, the badger transformed into the old woman’s likeness. When the farmer returned home, tired from his labor, he did not realize anything was amiss. The badger, still disguised, prepared a meal of soup for the farmer, who ate it without suspicion. As the farmer finished his meal, the badger revealed his true form, mocking and laughing at the farmer before fleeing into the hills, leaving the old man devastated.

Crushed by the loss of his wife and the terrible realization of what had happened, the farmer collapsed in horror.

Not far from the farm lived a noble and kind-hearted rabbit. Upon hearing the farmer’s cries of anguish, the rabbit decided to investigate and offer his help. When the old man told him of the tragic events, the rabbit’s heart filled with rage against the deceitful badger. With calm determination, the rabbit assured the farmer that he would avenge the death of his wife and bring justice to the farm. The rabbit, with cleverness and guile, set out to deceive the badger under the guise of friendship. Through a series of cunning tricks, he caused the badger considerable discomfort. He once dropped a beehive on the badger, then treated the stings with a painful ointment, all the while pretending it was an unfortunate accident. On another occasion, the rabbit and the badger went to gather firewood together. While the badger carried a heavy bundle of sticks, the rabbit secretly set the wood ablaze. When the badger heard the crackling of flames, the rabbit convinced him it was merely the sound of a nearby "crepitating mountain." Distracted by the rabbit’s tale, the badger ignored the growing fire on his back until it was too late, and he suffered severe burns.

Despite these painful encounters, the badger didn’t fully realize the rabbit’s true intentions. Eventually, seeking revenge for his injuries, the badger challenged the rabbit to a competition to determine which of them was superior. The rabbit, ever the trickster, carved two boats—one from sturdy wood for himself and one from fragile clay for the badger. They both set out to race across a lake, but soon the badger’s clay boat began to dissolve. As the badger struggled in the water, the rabbit revealed his true purpose: to punish the badger for his wicked deeds. The badger, powerless to save himself, drowned in the lake. The rabbit, having fulfilled his promise, returned to the farmer with news of his revenge. Overwhelmed with gratitude and relief, the farmer thanked the rabbit with tears in his eyes and invited him to stay. From that day forward, the rabbit and the farmer became inseparable companions. They faced life’s challenges together, sharing in its joys and sorrows, bound by a deep friendship that lasted for the rest of their days.

This tale, while tragic in parts, is ultimately a story of justice and loyalty. It reminds us that even in the face of loss and betrayal, the bonds of friendship and the pursuit of righteousness can bring healing and hope.