This captivating folktale, known as “The Tale of the Seventh Sun,” traces its roots back to the Munda tribe residing in the culturally rich lands of Odisha, India. A predominantly agricultural society, the Munda people have been custodians of a rich oral tradition, passing down wisdom, values, and folklore from generation to generation. This enchanting tale, brimming with mystery, courage, and a profound respect for nature’s harmony, offers a glimpse into their vibrant worldview and wisdom. The narrative, much like the soothing rays of the rising sun, brings to light the community’s intrinsic bond with nature and its entities, their hierarchical animal kingdom, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of humble courage. The story remains a beloved part of Munda’s vibrant cultural tapestry, imparting wisdom and sparking imaginations, one sunrise at a time.
Many moons ago, the sky was not as it is today, adorned with a singular radiant sun. There were seven of them, each casting an unbearable heat down on the earth. Humans found it increasingly challenging to coexist with this scorching inferno. Enter the seven brave brothers from the Munda tribe, who made a valiant decision – to vanquish the extra suns. Armed with their trusty arrows, they targeted the fiery orbs, successfully eliminating six. The last sun, alarmed by the fate of its siblings, sought refuge behind a far-off hill, plunging the world into a disorienting abyss of darkness.
Suddenly, the world was in chaos. Deer stumbled blindly, failing to spot lurking tigers, while elephants blundered into tree trunks, startled by their own missteps. Even the rabbits, lost and oblivious, scampered over slumbering lions, causing disarray.
A grand council of animals was called to bring order to this darkness-induced pandemonium. A wise rabbit enlightened them about the last surviving sun, huddled and hiding behind a hill. The question that now hung in the air like a thick fog was – who would be valiant enough to beckon the fearful sun?
Stepping forward with majestic poise, the lion, as the proclaimed king of the jungle, roared his plea to the sun. “Sun, do not fear us! Return to your place in the sky,” he boomed. However, his royal command fell on deaf ears. Following the lion’s unsuccessful attempt, the elephant trumpeted his appeal, and then the peacock, displaying his vibrant plumage in an enticing dance, begged for the sun’s return. Each attempt was met with silence. The sun remained unmoved by their pleas.
As all hope seemed to dwindle, a humble rooster offered to appeal to the sun. This proposal was met with peals of laughter echoing through the forest. Yet, the lion, in his wisdom, allowed the rooster his chance. Hesitant but determined, the rooster stepped forward and gave a gentle crow, “Kukdukoo, koo.” Miraculously, a sliver of light peaked from behind the hill. Encouraged, the rooster crowed again, louder this time, “Kukdukoo-Koo.” The sun, as if entranced by the rooster’s call, rose a little higher. Bolstered by his success, the rooster called out with all his might, “Kukdukoo-Koo!” Responding to the rooster’s call, the sun ascended fully into the sky, bathing the world in a flood of warm, soothing light.
Relief washed over the humans and jubilant cheers rang out among the animals. The world was illuminated once again, bringing an end to the chaos. Thus, every day since, the rooster’s crow announces the dawn, coaxing the sun to rise and shine, celebrating the restoration of harmony.
