In a time long ago, elephants had no trunks, only short noses. One particularly curious young elephant, known for his insatiable curiosity, constantly asked questions about the world around him, much to the annoyance of his relatives, who often spanked him for his inquiries. His relentless questioning led him to ask about the diet of crocodiles, a question that elicited a stern warning from his family. Determined to find the answer, he set off on a journey to the Limpopo River, armed with food. Along the way, he encountered various animals, including a Bi-Coloured-Python-Rock-Snake, who also spanked him for his curiosity. Undeterred, the young elephant finally reached the river and spotted a crocodile, mistaking it for a log. When he politely inquired about the crocodile's diet, the crocodile lured him closer and bit his nose. In a panic, the elephant pulled with all his might, stretching his nose as the crocodile attempted to drag him into the water. With the help of the python, he managed to escape, but his nose had been stretched into a long trunk. Initially dismayed by the change, he soon discovered the advantages of his new trunk, using it to swat flies, eat, and even create mud caps to cool himself. Excited by his newfound abilities, he returned home, where his family was astonished by his transformation. Instead of being punished, he playfully spanked his relatives, demonstrating the usefulness of his trunk. His antics inspired the other elephants, who soon sought out the crocodile to acquire their own trunks. From that day forward, all elephants possessed trunks, a result of one curious young elephant's adventure and the lessons learned along the way.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1902 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Fable