The Loyal Mouse is a brief yet meaningful story from Strange Tales from Liaozhai, written by Pu Songling of the Qing Dynasty. This tale tells of the deep bond between two mice and the extraordinary courage and wisdom displayed by one mouse in attempting to save its companion.
Summary of the Story
Two mice emerging from a hole. One of them was swallowed by a snake, while the other stared at the snake with its small, sharp, ash-like eyes, filled with anger. However, out of fear, this surviving mouse could only watch from a distance and dared not approach. After eating its prey, the snake slowly slithered back into its burrow. As half of its body entered the hole, the brave mouse suddenly darted forward and bit the snake’s tail.
Enraged, the snake came back out to search for the mouse, but the mouse, quick and nimble, fled and vanished from sight. Unable to catch it, the snake returned to its hole. As soon as it began to retreat inside, the mouse appeared again and bit the snake’s tail once more. This happened repeatedly — each time the snake tried to enter the hole, the mouse attacked; each time the snake came out, the mouse fled.
Eventually, with no other choice, the snake crawled out and spat the swallowed mouse onto the ground. The surviving mouse came over, sniffed its companion, and squeaked as if in mourning. Then, lifting the dead mouse with its teeth, it carried it away and disappeared.
Allegorical Meaning
Loyalty and Friendship:
At its core, the story highlights the deep bond and loyalty between the two mice. Despite facing a powerful enemy—the snake—the surviving mouse never gave up on trying to rescue its companion. This symbolizes how true friendship can transcend the fear of death and reflects a spirit of selfless devotion.
Wisdom in the Face of Power:
By cleverly using the timing of the snake’s movements in and out of the hole, the mouse managed to harass the snake until it was forced to release its victim. This illustrates how the weak can overcome the strong through strategy and perseverance, showing that even the smallest and seemingly weakest beings can display remarkable intelligence and resilience.
Dignity and Value of Life:
Although mice are often regarded as lowly creatures, in this story, they demonstrate behavior worthy of admiration. This serves as a reminder that one should not judge the value of life based on species or appearance—every life possesses its own dignity and significance.
“The Loyal Mouse” is more than just a simple tale about animals. It deeply explores the importance of friendship, wisdom, and the value of life. Through these themes, Pu Songling encourages readers to reflect on human relationships, emphasizing that no matter the circumstances, we should cherish the bonds we share with others and believe that even the smallest act of courage or loyalty can lead to profound change.
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