The spots of the jaguar | STORIES for children |

Story The spots of the jaguar: adaptation of a legend from the Mayan culture.

An ancient legend tells that thousands of years ago, when humans did not yet exist, there was a jaguar to which something very special happened. Do you want to know its history?

It seems that the animal was completely happy because it was in good physical shape, had plenty of food within its reach, and got along wonderfully with the rest of the animals; Furthermore, he felt grateful for being able to wake up every morning in one of the most beautiful places one could imagine: the wonderful Yucatan Peninsula.

Like any good feline, he loved to walk through the forest wrapped in the darkness of the night and climb the mountains during the day, but without a doubt his favorite hobby was licking his own fur, as yellow and bright as the sun itself. For him it was essential to keep it clean, not only to feel more handsome and neat, but also because he was aware that he aroused enormous admiration. Yes, he showed off a little blonde hair, but he was so proud of it that he couldn’t help it!

One summer afternoon he was dozing under an avocado tree when he was suddenly startled by hearing some very strange noises above his head.

– What was that?… Who is going around disturbing other people’s rest?

He looked up and saw in surprise that the branches were shaking and seemed to scream. He opened his big eyes and when he focused his gaze he discovered that they were three monkeys who, to entertain themselves, were competing to see who could pluck the most ripe fruits in the least time.

Between surprised and angry, he shouted at them:

– Respect, please! Can’t you see I’m taking a nap right down here? Stop that stupid game already!

The monkeys were having such a good time, laughing and jumping from one branch to another, that they didn’t even pay attention to him. In fact, they started throwing avocados into the air to see how they shattered and splashed all over the place when they hit the ground. They thought it was a really fun game!

The jaguar, who was already at an age where he couldn’t stand that kind of nonsense, began to lose his patience. Very seriously, he got on all fours, raised his head, and roaring, showed his fangs at them to see if they took his hint. Nothing, as if it didn’t exist.

– I’m tired of all the fuss and wasting food like that! Put an end to the revelry or you’ll have to deal with me!

Incredible as it may seem, no threat had any effect and the monkeys continued doing their thing. For a short time, of course, because bad luck wanted one of the avocados to crash on the jaguar’s back. The blow was intense and he writhed in pain.

– Oh, oh, what a blow you have hit me with one of those damn avocados!

He palpated himself and noticed that the area was becoming inflamed, but the most serious thing was seeing how the pulp was spreading through his hair as if it were butter, forming a disgusting green glob. The conceited feline became, never better said, a beast.

– No… no… it can’t be… You just destroyed my beautiful, silky golden fur, you useless bunch!… Who was the culprit?!

The monkey with the pointiest ears made such a panicked face that he gave himself away; The jaguar, with its nerves on edge, reacted as jaguars usually do when they get really angry: it made a gigantic jump, and when it was at the height of the insolent animal, it raised its right paw and struck it with a paw in the belly. . The victim screamed in pain, but luckily the wound was shallow and he was able to save his skin.

In order not to tempt fate further, he proposed immediate withdrawal to his companions.

– Guys, quickly, we must go!… We have to escape before he finishes us!

No sooner said than done! The three friends climbed down from the tree and fled in terror across the fields. Far from danger, the wounded monkey said to the other two:

– I know that the jaguar didn’t deserve to be hit with the avocado and that I dirty its pretty hair, but there was no bad intention on my part. I accidentally hit him and look what he did to me!

The monkey showed the long, bloody marks the claws had left on its skin.

– You can’t imagine how much it hurts and stings!… Honestly, I think this can’t stay like this. The best thing is that we go see Yum Kaax. He will know how to give us the best advice!

Yum Kaax, god protector of plants and animals, lived in the mountains and was loved for his goodness, wisdom and kindness. He received the three little monkeys with a smile, his arms open and wearing his characteristic corncob-shaped headdress on his head.

– Welcome to my home. How can I help you?

The monkey who had had the idea of ​​requesting an audience with the divinity apologized.

– Sir, excuse us for disturbing you at this hour, but we have had a serious encounter with a jaguar.

– Okay, calm down, tell me what happened.

The trio detailed the unpleasant situation they had experienced minutes before. As soon as he finished, the young god, now without the smile on his mouth, resolved:

– I have to tell you that your behavior has been embarrassing. You cannot disturb others while they sleep, and of course, it is not ethical to waste the avocados that the earth gives us!… Have you not been taught that it is very wrong to waste food?

The monkeys hung their heads in shame. Yum Kaax continued with the reprimand.

– So that you learn the lesson, for two months you are going to work for me cleaning the fields and harvesting part of the cereal harvest. This year we are overwhelmed and all help is little!

The three friends opened their mouths to protest, but the god did not let them.

– I do not accept complaints! I think it will be a good way for you to ripen too… like avocados! Ha ha ha!

The monkeys were not amused and only the god laughed at his own joke.

– Ripen… Avocados… Bah, I see you haven’t understood! Anyway, let’s continue with the topic at hand.

He remained thoughtful for a few seconds and decided on the punishment for the feline.

– I’ll let you climb the tree again and throw a few avocados at its back. This time, thanks to my magical powers, it will do him no good to cleanse himself and he will be marked forever. He will pay for what he has done and in the process will learn to be less conceited.

The god took a breath and gave a warning:

– I must tell you that there are two rules that you must respect at all costs: the first, throw the avocados carefully so as not to hurt them.

The three monkeys nodded yes.

– And the second, they must be very ripe avocados, the kind that can no longer be eaten because they are very soft and dark, on the verge of rotting. You will not cause him pain, but his hair will be stained for life because I decide so.

The monkeys accepted the conditions and after thanking Yum Kaax they went straight to the avocado tree. When they arrived they found that the jaguar had gone to bathe in the river, so they took advantage of its absence to hide among the branches. From there they saw him return, once again with shiny hair, ready to continue his peaceful nap.

The pointy-eared monkey, who was leading the operation, whispered to his colleagues:

– Here it comes… Let’s prepare the arsenal!

The jaguar, totally oblivious to what awaited him, lay down on the grass and fell asleep. As soon as they heard the snorting, the three primates grabbed several soft avocados, which by the way already smelled quite bad, and threw them unceremoniously at them. The attacked person woke up immediately and, horrified, saw how a pile of black, slimy pulp filled his very fine and precious fur with stains.

– But what is happening?!… Who attacks me?… What is this crap?!

The little boss, satisfied with the result, looked out from among the leaves and shouted:

– We carry out orders from the god Yum Kaax. From now on, you and your descendants will sport dark spots until the end of time. For you, no more bragging.

The jaguar ran to wash in the river, but no matter how much he soaked, the stains did not dissolve. When he came out of the water he began to cry out of pure sadness and had no choice but to accept the punishment imposed by the god.

From that day on, monkeys are prohibited from playing avocado fights and all jaguars have spots.