The Panchatantra ( 200BCE - 300 CE )is an ancient Indian collection interrelated animal fables in Sanskrit verse and prose. These stories are arranged within a "frame story", meaning each individual tale contributes to a wider narrative. The Panchatantra is considered to have influenced later European books, such as Boccaccio and The Grimm Brothers.
A drought befalls the land, and the elephant-king send is companion to seek water for the herd. Upon discovering a crystal-clear lake, the envoy believes he has found paradise, however, he soon hears the objections of the thousands of tiny rabbits around his feet. The rabbit-king cunningly explains that the lake belongs to the moon and must not be touched. Upon entering the water, and seeing the rippling reflection of the full moon, the elephant interprets the moon’s anger and retreats to this herd.
