Starchild: Why Malaysian kids think Sang Kancil is a smart animal

S. Chandrani, 12

The Sang Kancil, or mousedeer, is revered in Malaysian folklore for its cunningness and bravery. There are several stories that depict these qualities of the Sang Kancil.

One famous tale tells of Sang Kancil’s encounter with a group of hungry crocodiles. The mousedeer wanted to get to the other side of the river to devour some fruits it had spotted but it noticed the river filled with crocodiles. Smart as ever, Sang Kancil “struck a deal” with the crocs.