The Snake in the Prince's Belly

A young prince grew weaker each day, and no healer could discover why. No one knew that a small snake had crept into his belly while he slept and made its home there. Ashamed of his wasting illness, he left his palace and travelled quietly until he reached a distant temple.

A thoughtful princess of that country chose him as her companion and cared for him without judging his worn clothes. Together they journeyed to a peaceful town beside a pond.

While the prince slept with his head near an anthill, the princess returned from the market. She saw one snake peep from the anthill and another appear beside the prince. Hidden behind a shrub, she heard them quarrel.

Each snake was angry with the other, and each gave the other's secret away. The snake from the anthill hissed that a warm drink of mustard and herbs would drive the snake out of the prince's belly. The snake from the prince's belly hissed back that two jars of coins lay buried beneath a loose stone at the anthill.

The princess remembered every detail. With help from a trusted healer, she prepared a gentle remedy. The small snake slipped away into the grass, and the prince's strength slowly returned. They moved the second snake safely before uncovering the jars.

The prince praised her courage, but she said, "I only listened carefully and acted wisely." They used part of the treasure to repay the temple and help other travellers find food and medicine.