Indian Fairy Tales · Chapter
How Sun, Moon, and Wind Went Out to Dinner explained
Sun, Moon, and Wind dine with their uncle and aunts Thunder and Lightning.
What happens
Sun, Moon, and Wind dine with their uncle and aunts Thunder and Lightning. Their mother, a distant Star, waits alone. Sun and Wind selfishly feast without saving any food for her, but Moon secretly hides portions under her fingernails. Upon return, Star curses Sun and Wind for their selfishness, making Sun's rays hot and Wind's breath parching, while blessing Moon to be cool and calm forever.
Themes in this chapter
Gratitude and Ingratitude
Moon shows gratitude by remembering her mother, while Sun and Wind are ungrateful and selfish.
Justice and Karma
Each character receives a just reward or punishment based on their actions toward their mother.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Of every dainty dish that was brought round, she placed a small portion under one of her beautiful long fingernails, that Star might also have a share in the treat.”
Moon hid a little of each delicious dish under her fingernails so her mother could taste the feast.
Shows Moon's clever and caring nature.
“Because you went out to amuse yourself with your friends, and feasted and enjoyed yourself, without any thought of your mother at home—you shall be cursed.”
Star cursed Sun for selfishly enjoying the feast without considering her.
Illustrates the theme of justice and consequences.