Houdong Lamboiba amadi Pebet (The Cat and The Bird)

Once upon a time, a Pebet bird resided in a majestic tree with her newly hatched offspring. Renowned for her astuteness and unwavering care, the mother bird safeguarded her young from the perils that lurked in their surroundings.

Within the same vicinity dwelled a male cat who cloaked himself in the guise of a monk, traversing the area each day while reciting the enigmatic phrases, "Samu kaka, Lili kaka, Samu kaka, Lili kaka."

One eventful day, as the cat passed by Pebet's nest, he beheld the birds nestled alongside their vigilant mother. Addressing Pebet, he repeatedly called out, "Pebet, Pebet," to which Pebet responded with deference, "Yes, sir." The cat then posed a question, "Am I handsome?" Recognizing the ulterior motives behind his inquiry, Pebet tactfully praised the cat's appearance using vivid analogies, concealing her true sentiments.

Filled with elation and satisfaction, the cat departed, bidding Pebet to "Take good care of your little ones." In subsequent days, the conceited cat revisited the nest, seeking validation once more, and Pebet dutifully echoed her previous flattery to placate him.

As time passed, Pebet diligently instructed her offspring in the art of flight, ensuring their swift mastery of the skill. Sensing that the moment had arrived to confront the malevolent cat, now unable to reach her fledglings, Pebet prepared for a decisive encounter.

The next day, the cat returned and asked Pebet, "Pebet, am I handsome?" This time, consumed by anger, Pebet unleashed a torrent of insults upon the cat, branding him with scathing remarks and triggering his wrath. Shocked by Pebet’s outburst, the enraged cat decided to kill her and eat her little ones. As the cat attacked, Pebet flew away with her birdies, but the youngest couldn’t fly and was caught by the cat.

Thinking quickly, Pebet spoke softly, "Oh dear sir, you’ve caught my birdie, and you intend to eat her. But please, prepare her properly. Give her a bath, wrap her in a banana leaf, and let her sit in the sun for a while. This will enhance her flavor." The foolish cat followed her instructions, and the young birdie revived. As the cat was about to seize her, Pebet shouted, "Echa Tombi, Phrang" (My youngest daughter, fly away). The birdie flew off, leaving droppings in the cat’s palm.

Frustrated, the cat cursed himself, exclaiming, "Oh, it flew away!" Tasting the droppings, the cat remarked, "If the birdie's droppings taste this good, imagine how delicious the whole bird would be. What terrible luck I have." From the safety of the tree, Pebet and her birdies mockingly sang, "Behold, the wicked cat has eaten Pebet's poop."

The moral of this story is that wit and intelligence can outsmart brute force and deceit. Pebet's cleverness and quick thinking allowed her to protect her offspring and turn the tables on the cat, who relied on trickery and intimidation. It also highlights the value of teaching and preparing the young for the challenges they might face in life.

T-shirt with Houdong Lamboiba and Pebet print is available here.