The Toad Sues Heaven

Long ago, a severe drought struck the land. The earth cracked, plants withered, and animals suffered from thirst. The drought lasted so long that even the resilient Toad couldn’t bear it anymore. Determined to find a solution, Toad decided to go to Heaven to ask the Jade Emperor for rain.

On his journey, Toad met Crab, who eagerly joined him. As they traveled, they saw Bear and Tiger lying by the forest's edge, exhausted from thirst. Toad invited them to join his mission to petition the Jade Emperor. Along the way, they also encountered Bee and Fox, who were just as enthusiastic about joining the cause.

When the group finally reached Heaven’s gate, they saw a large drum at the entrance. Toad instructed Crab to hide in a water jar, Bee to take cover behind the door, and Fox, Bear, and Tiger to wait at the back. Once everyone was in position, Toad struck the drum three times.

Hearing the drum, the Jade Emperor sent Thunder God to investigate. Thunder God was shocked to see only a small, rough-skinned Toad sitting confidently on Heaven’s drum. He reported back to the Jade Emperor, who, in his anger, ordered the Heavenly Rooster to peck Toad to death.

The rooster charged forward, but Toad signaled to Fox, who leapt out and bit the rooster’s neck, dragging it away. Toad then struck the drum again, even louder. Infuriated, the Jade Emperor sent the Heavenly Dog to attack Fox. As the dog approached, Toad gave another signal. Bear immediately struck the dog with a powerful blow, ending its threat.

Toad continued to beat the drum. The Jade Emperor, growing desperate, sent Thunder God to deal with Bear. Thunder God, wielding his lightning hammer, swaggered outside. However, before he could attack, Bee darted out from behind the door, stinging him relentlessly. Thunder God, in a panic, jumped into the water jar to escape, only to be pinched by Crab, causing him to scream in pain. As he scrambled out of the jar, Tiger, who had been waiting patiently, pounced on him, leaving him defeated.

Seeing his heavenly guards bested by mere animals, the Jade Emperor had no choice but to invite Toad inside for a discussion. Toad respectfully yet firmly said, “Your Majesty, it has been years since a drop of rain has fallen on Earth. The land is parched, and all living things are struggling to survive. I humbly request that you bring rain to end this suffering.”

Impressed by Toad’s bravery and eloquence, the Jade Emperor called upon the Rain God. He introduced Toad as his friend from Earth, expressing his displeasure with the Rain God's negligence. The Jade Emperor decreed, “From now on, whenever Toad grinds his teeth, it will be a signal that rain is needed. You must respond immediately.”

Since then, whenever Toad grinds his teeth, rain falls from the sky. The Vietnamese people have a saying:

“The Toad is the uncle of the Jade Emperor

Whoever harms it will be punished by Heaven.”

This legend not only explains the natural phenomenon of rain but also highlights the importance of perseverance, unity, and standing up for justice.