The Man with the Cocoanuts

Source
Philippine Folk Tales
compiled and annotated by
Mabel Cook Cole
A.C. McClurg & Co., Chicago, 1916

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► Themes of the story

Cunning and Deception: The man’s initial disregard for the boy’s advice reflects a form of self-deception, believing that speed would ensure a quicker journey despite evidence to the contrary.

Trials and Tribulations: The repeated falling of the coconuts represents the challenges faced due to impatience, highlighting the importance of perseverance and learning from one’s mistakes.

Conflict with Nature: The man’s struggle to keep the coconuts on the horse depicts a battle against natural forces, underscoring the need to work harmoniously with nature rather than against it.

► From the same Region or People

• Southeast Asia
  • Philippines
    • Tinguian Lore

Learn more about Philippines peoples

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One day a man who had been to gather his cocoanuts loaded his horse heavily with the fruit. On the way home he met a boy whom he asked how long it would take to reach the house. “If you go slowly,” said the boy, looking at the load on the horse, “you will arrive very soon; but if you go fast, it will take you all day.” The man could not believe this strange speech, so he hurried his horse. But the cocoanuts fell off and he had to stop to pick them up. Then he hurried his horse all the more to make up for lost time, but the cocoanuts fell off again. Many times he did this, and it was night when he reached home.