And the I'm going to be. Welcome to Snoo's newscast, the podcast designed to help you fall asleep.

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This episode is supported by our Patreon supporters and by Monkey Business.

Tonight we'll read some selected Himalayan folk tales from a 1906 book called Simla Village

tales written by Alice Elizabeth Drakot from the author in her preface.

Himalayan folklore with its beauty, wit, and mysticism

is a most fascinating study and makes one grieve to think that the day is fast

approaching when the honest rugged hillfolk of Northern India will lose their

fireside tails under the influence of modern civilization.

From their cradle under the shade of ancient cedars, beside the rocks, forests, and streams of the mighty Himalayan mountains,

have I sought these tales to place them upon the great bookshelf of the world.

Let's get cozy. Close your eyes. Relax your body into the softness of your bed.

Now, take a few deep breaths.

The monkey, the tiger and the princess.

Once upon a time there was a king who had seven sons and he made up his

mind that he would not let them marry unless they married seven sisters. So he sent his Brahmin to seek a Rajah who had

seven daughters and to bring him word. After a time the Brahmin succeeded and found a Rajah who had seven daughters, so arrangements

were speedily made for their marriage.

When the time came for the seven princes to go and fetch their brides, the youngest said to

his father, if we all go, who is to look after the house and all your property, let me remain behind.

And when my brothers return with their wives, they can bring my bride also. His father thought this a very wise

suggestion, so they set out leaving the youngest brother at home.

...