Why the Cat and Dog Are Enemies” (from Korean Tales).Easy Summary

Long ago, an old poor man lived near a river. He ran a small wine shop. Though poor, he was honest and kind. His wine shop was special because he always sold good wine, never allowed quarrels, and charged fair prices.

Many people wondered how his wine never finished. The truth was that long ago, the old man had helped a divine traveler by giving him his last drink of wine. The traveler rewarded him with a small amber gem and said that as long as it stayed in the wine jug, the wine would never end. Because of this magic gem, the old man’s fortune changed.

The old man lived happily with two animals—a dog and a cat—who loved him like children and lived peacefully together.

The Problem

One day, suddenly, the wine stopped flowing. The magic gem was missing. The old man became very sad. The dog and cat decided to find the gem and help their master.

The Search

They searched house after house. After a long time, the cat discovered that the gem was inside a closed box in a house across the river. With the help of rats, they managed to get the gem out.

The Accident

While returning, the dog swam across the river with the cat riding on his back, holding the gem. Some children laughed at this strange sight. The cat started laughing too, lost balance, and dropped the gem into the river.

The dog jumped in to save it. In the struggle, the cat nearly drowned. Both survived, but the gem was lost again. The dog became furious, and from that day onward, the dog and cat became enemies.

Final Recovery

Later, the dog found a fish with the gem inside its stomach and brought it to the old man. The old man was overjoyed. He learned that the gem could multiply anything, not just wine. He realized he had been using the magic selfishly and narrowly before.

Ending

The old man became wise and prosperous again.The dog remained loyal and respected, while the cat stayed fearful and distant, explaining why cats and dogs have hated each other ever since.

Why cat and dog are enemies?Because:Cat was carelessDog was loyal and seriousThey fought during the river accidentSo cats fear dogs, and dogs chase cats even today.