Village Folk-Tales of Ceylon, Volume 3 (of 3)

"Village Folk-Tales of Ceylon, Volume 3 (of 3)" by H. Parker is a collection of folk tales written in the early 20th century. This volume presents a rich tapestry of stories that reflect the cultural and social fabric of Ceylon, featuring various animal characters, moral lessons, and elements of local myth. The narratives often delve into universal themes such as friendship, wisdom, and the consequences of foolishness or betrayal. At the start of the volume, the tales introduce various characters such as a Hare, a Mouse-deer, and a Parrot, who navigate friendships and rivalries in the wilderness. One story details the Hare's encounter with the Parrot, emphasizing the importance of trust and loyalty amidst challenges presented by other animals, like the Mouse-deer, who attempts to sow discord. The text effectively sets the stage for further stories that explore various relationships among the animal kingdom while imparting moral lessons about collaboration, friendship, and the unpredictability of nature. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Henry Parker (1849–unknown) was a British engineer in colonial Ceylon during the Victorian era. He was attached to the Irrigation Department from 1873 to 1904. During his work as an engineer he developed an admiration for the skills displayed by the ancient Sinhalese at the time of the construction of their reservoirs.