Once there were five hundred monkeys wandering through the forest. Together they came to a great tree. Beneath…
Once there were five hundred monkeys wandering through the forest. Together they came to a great tree. Beneath the tree was a well, and in the well appeared the reflection of the moon.
When the monkey chief saw the moon's reflection, he said to the others:
"The moon has fallen into the well and perished. We must rescue it together and not let the world be plunged into endless darkness."
The monkeys discussed it among themselves, saying, "How can we get it out?"
Then the monkey chief said, "I know a way. I will grab hold of the tree branch, and you will grab my tail. Then each of you can hold on to the next, one after another. That way we can pull it out."
So the monkeys did exactly as their chief said, each clutching the next in turn. But the branch was too weak and snapped, and all the monkeys fell into the well.