The Folk Tale Reader edited and compiled by Uma Raman is a collection of 12 Indian folk tales. The Hallowed Horse is a story about Princess Kiranmala who is rescued from the wicked King Bhoomimal.
According to the folk tale, a Hallowed Horse is a horse that is blessed by the gods because it is born under a lucky star. When the king of Anga was dying, he called for his Prime Minister and told him to find the Hallowed Horse in order to save his daughter, Princess Kiranmala from King Bhoomimal.
However, the Prime Minister had never heard of the Hallowed Horse and is puzzled as to how to find it. The Prime Minister decides to consult the Court Astrologer who is a sage to assist him in finding the Hallowed Horse.
The Magic Conch is a story about a poor man named Manhar who yearns to be a bodyguard to the king.
Manhar lives in Varanasi which is in North India. He goes trekking in the Himalayas where the gods bestow him with a magic conch.
Because he is weary Manhar stays at an inn on his way back to Varansi.
The inn keeper, Bholanath who is very wily steals the magic conch from Manhar while he is sleeping.
The Prince and the Shepherd is a story about the friendship between a prince and a shepherd boy.
The prince gives a flute to the shepherd boy and promises to make him Chief Minister when he becomes king.
The only gift which the poor shepherd boy could give the prince is his friendship and loyalty which is far more valuable than any material gift. Many years later when the prince becomes king he forgets all about his promise to the shepherd boy. But the shepherd boy saves the king’s life.
The folk tales provide an insight into the culture and traditions of India.
