A hungry jackal wandered into a town looking for food. Chased by dogs, he jumped into a dyer's vat of blue colour. When he came out, he was bright blue from head to tail.

Back in the forest, no animal had ever seen such a creature. Even the lions and tigers were afraid. Seizing the chance, the jackal declared, "The gods have sent me to be your king!" The animals served him, bringing him the best food.

One night, a pack of jackals howled in the distance. Out of habit, the blue jackal threw back his head and howled too. At once the animals knew he was only a jackal — and they chased him out of the forest.