The Hundred Ducks : A Vietnamese Folk Tale Exploring Greed and Cleverness

“The Hundred Ducks”, a tale hailing from 14th century Vietnam, offers a glimpse into the moral landscape of its time. Through its witty dialogue and unexpected twists, this story transcends its simple origins to grapple with universal themes like greed, cleverness, and the importance of honesty. The narrative follows a cunning young boy who outsmarts a greedy merchant, showcasing the power of quick thinking over brute force.

The Boy and the Merchant: A Meeting Destined for Chaos

The tale begins with a humble young boy venturing into the marketplace, his pockets empty but his mind sharp. He encounters a wealthy merchant renowned for his miserly ways. The merchant, boasting of his recent acquisition – a flock of one hundred ducks – seeks to capitalize on their value.

Eager to test the boy’s naiveté, the merchant proposes a deal: he will sell the boy all one hundred ducks for just ten coins, but with a catch. The boy must pay immediately and return the ducks in a week, after they have supposedly laid eggs, doubling his investment.

Believing himself to be incredibly clever, the merchant chuckles at what he perceives as the boy’s imminent downfall.

The Boy’s Ingenious Solution: Turning Ducks into Profits

Surprisingly, the boy accepts the deal without hesitation. He takes possession of the ducks and promptly heads for a nearby lake. There, under the watchful eyes of curious onlookers, he releases all one hundred ducks onto the shimmering water.

Confused by this seemingly illogical act, the merchant rushes to confront the boy. He accuses him of wasting his precious flock, demanding an immediate explanation.

The boy calmly responds, “But sir, you specifically instructed me to return your ducks after they had laid their eggs! Since ducks lay eggs in water, I have simply ensured a fertile environment for them to do so.”

A Twist of Fate: Justice Served with a Dash of Humor

Stunned by the boy’s clever retort and unable to refute his logic, the merchant is left speechless. The onlookers erupt in laughter, recognizing the merchant’s foolishness. Humiliated but outsmarted, the merchant realizes the error of his greedy ways and begrudgingly accepts the terms of the agreement.

The story concludes with the boy walking away triumphantly, having not only secured a profit but also exposed the flaws in the merchant’s avarice. The ducks, meanwhile, continue to swim merrily in the lake, their fate forever intertwined with the tale of the clever boy and the greedy merchant.

Analyzing “The Hundred Ducks”: Deeper Meaning and Cultural Insights

“The Hundred Ducks” is more than just a charming story; it offers valuable insight into Vietnamese culture and values during the 14th century:

• Cleverness over brute force: The story emphasizes the importance of wit and ingenuity in overcoming obstacles. The boy’s success lies not in physical strength but in his ability to think creatively and outsmart his opponent. This highlights a cultural appreciation for intelligence and resourcefulness.

Value	Explanation
Cleverness	The boy uses his wit to turn the situation to his advantage, emphasizing the importance of intellect over brute force.
Honesty	Despite the merchant’s attempts to deceive him, the boy remains honest and fulfills his end of the bargain, highlighting the value placed on integrity in Vietnamese society.
Humility	Despite his victory, the boy does not boast but calmly explains his reasoning, demonstrating a sense of humility.

• Greed as a vice: The merchant’s insatiable desire for profit ultimately leads to his downfall. This portrays greed as a negative trait, something to be avoided rather than celebrated.

• Respect for nature: The boy’s choice to release the ducks into a lake reflects an understanding of their natural habitat and the importance of respecting the environment.

“The Hundred Ducks”, with its simple yet profound message, continues to resonate with readers today. Its timeless themes of cleverness overcoming greed, and the celebration of honesty and humility, make it a valuable addition to any collection of folklore.