King and tuntunir story
Could you clarify which "King and Tuntunir" story you mean? Are you referring to a folktale from West Africa, Bangladeshi folklore, or another tradition? This will help me give the most accurate version.
In the meantime, here's a common version from Bengali folklore, which features a clever bird named Tuntuni (or Tuntunir) and a king:
The Story of the King and TuntuniOnce upon a time, there was a wise king who ruled his kingdom fairly, but he loved cleverness and wit. One day, a tiny bird called Tuntuni appeared in the royal garden. The king had heard that this bird could speak like a human and solve riddles. Curious, he ordered the bird to come near.
The king asked Tuntuni a question: "Who is the wisest in the kingdom?"
Tuntuni chirped thoughtfully and replied with a riddle of her own:
"The one who listens more than he speaks,
And judges fairly without anger or greed."
The king was impressed. From that day, he often consulted Tuntuni for advice, and the bird cleverly guided him to make just and wise decisions. Soon, everyone in the kingdom respected both the king and Tuntuni for their wisdom.
The story usually ends with the moral:
"Wisdom can come in the smallest forms, and cleverness is as valuable as power."
If you want, I can also tell a funnier, trickster version of the King and Tuntuni story where the bird outsmarts the king. That one is a classic in Bengali storytelling.
Do you want me to share that version too?