The Story of the Jade Rabbit
Three animals are living in a forest: a fox, a rabbit, and a monkey.
One day, the Emperor of Heaven wanted to test the animals' virtues. So he came to Earth and changed his appearance to that of an old man.
He said, "I heard that you three are good friends, so I came a long way to meet you. Now I am very hungry. What will you offer me?"
"Please wait here. We will come back with food soon." Then the three animals went their separate ways to find food.
The fox caught a fish in a river; the monkey got fruit in the forest, but the rabbit got nothing and came back with nothing.
The old man said, "It seems that you three are not united and work alone. You two kept your promise and brought back food. But the rabbit hasn't brought back anything."
The rabbit felt very sorry. "Please help me to get some firewood. I want to cook some food for him," she said to the fox and monkey.
After they set the firewood on the fire, the rabbit said, "Sorry I didn't fulfill my promise. But I can give myself to you. Eat me, please!" and the rabbit jumped into the fire.
The Emperor of Heaven was deeply moved by the rabbit.
He picked up the rabbit's bones and said, "I was so touched. To honor her, I will let her go to the Moon Palace, so that people can see her forever."
The Story of The Jade Rabbit :
illustrated by Fay,
Learn More at
Leeton Mooncake Festival
21 September 2024
4.00 pm - 8.00 pm
Mountford Park
Leeton NSW 2705
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