Joha and the Donkey:
Joha and the Donkey is a classic tale from Middle Eastern folklore that has been passed down through generations. Juha, sometimes known as Nasreddin Hodja, is a wise and clever character often featured in humorous stories with a moral lesson. Here is one version of the story:
Once upon a time in a small village, Juha owned a donkey. One day, he decided to travel to a nearby town, and since he had a heavy load of goods to carry, he loaded the donkey with bags of rice, fruits, and other supplies. As he began his journey, Juha walked alongside the donkey.
As they walked through the village, people observed Juha walking while the donkey carried the heavy load. Some villagers were puzzled and approached Juha, saying, "Juha, why are you walking while your donkey is carrying the load? It would be much easier for you to ride on the donkey's back."
Juha thought for a moment and then replied, "You see, my friends, the donkey and I have an agreement. I carry the load now, and in return, the donkey gets to carry me later."
The villagers were amused by Juha's clever response, but some couldn't help but think he was missing out on the comfort of riding. As Juha and the donkey continued their journey, they encountered more people along the way, each offering their own opinions.
Some said, "Why burden the donkey when you can ride?" Others said, "You're the master; the donkey should serve you." Juha listened to everyone but stuck to his decision, insisting that he and the donkey had an agreement.
Finally, they reached the town, and Juha unloaded the goods. Tired from the journey, he looked at the donkey and said, "Now, my friend, it's your turn to carry me back home."
The moral of the story lies in Juha's wit and the lesson that everyone has their role and responsibilities. It also highlights the importance of sticking to one's decisions, even in the face of differing opinions, and the humor in the ways people rationalize their choices.
