It was a long time ago. In one of the caves of Mount Arayat lived Sinukuan (the supreme deity of the Pampango tribe before they adopted Christianity), a judge of animals. Once upon a time, Sinukuan lived in the city, but his courage, honesty and directness caused annoyance and even hatred among many. Conspiracy was hatched against him, and finally, fearing for his life, he left all his property and all his friends in the city and, settling on Mount Arayat, decided to make friends with the animals that lived there.
The animals very soon fell in love with Sinukuan. He had the ability to transform into anyone and, when any animal came to him, he always took on its form. Soon all the inhabitants of Arayat recognized him as their judge, sage and ruler and came to him with their affairs and litigation.
One day, a bird came to Sinukuan for trial and asked him to punish a frog, which screamed so much at night that it did not let it sleep. Sinukuan called the restless frog to him and asked her why she behaved so unworthily.
“Sir,” the frog answered respectfully, “I was just calling for help because I saw a turtle dragging its house on its back.” I was afraid that she would crush me with this house.
“Well, that’s a good reason,” said Sinukuan. - You can be free.
He summoned the turtle to court and asked it to explain its behavior.
“Honorable judge,” the turtle answered humbly, “I carried my house because the firefly next to it was waving fire and I was afraid that it would set the house on fire.” Don't I have the right to protect my home from fire?
“Your reason is valid,” said Sinukuan. - You can be free.
The next day the firefly appeared in court. The judge asked why he was waving the fire. The firefly answered in a quiet voice:
- How else could I protect myself from a mosquito that threatened me with its sharp dagger?
His argument was also considered convincing, and the firefly was released in peace.
Finally they called the mosquito to trial, and he could not really explain why he needed to take out his dagger. Sinukuan sentenced him to three days in prison. And while the mosquito was serving his sentence, his voice suddenly disappeared. Since then, male mosquitoes have no voice and they no longer take out their daggers, fearing punishment.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru