A live recording at The Parkway Theater in Minneapolis tells a Cambodian folktale about a merchant's clever solution to a shady dilemma involving a water buffalo's shadow. The story emphasizes lessons of kindness, generosity, and resolving conflicts with wit.
Creativity can solve tricky situations in the face of unfair demands.
Justice and fairness prevail when handled cleverly and symbolically.
Deep dives
A Stranded Merchant and a Generous Buffalo Ride
A traveling merchant finds herself stranded in the countryside after her horse throws her off and runs away during a sudden storm. With a twisted ankle and one silver coin left, the merchant encounters a farmer with a water buffalo named Midnight. Despite difficulties, the farmer allows the merchant to ride Midnight to the next town, emphasizing the slow pace and the increasing heat of the day.
The Unexpected Demand for a Shadow's Payment
Upon reaching the town, the farmer unexpected demands payment for the buffalo's shadow that provided the merchant with relief from the scorching sun during the journey. The merchant, having already paid her last coin, faces a dilemma as the farmer insists on compensation for the shadow's shelter.
The Case in the Courthouse and a Clever Resolution
The merchant seeks justice at the courthouse and recounts the situation to the judge. After a fair assessment, the judge cleverly resolves the matter by creating a symbolic payment for the shadow using the shadow of a coin. This creative resolution teaches the farmer a valuable lesson in generosity and kindness.