Makato and the Cowrie Shell

Summary

The story of Makato, an orphan boy who rises from poverty through hard work and determination, begins when he leaves his village to seek adventure in the kingdom of Sokothai. Along the way, he meets a kind woman who helps him, and he eventually catches the attention of the king. After receiving a cowrie shell from the king, Makato turns it into a prosperous lettuce farm, impressing the king with his ingenuity. Over time, Makato’s loyalty and industriousness lead him to rise to a position of great importance, eventually becoming the king of his homeland, Mon.

Takeaways

• 😀 Makato is a young orphan who works hard to survive and support himself after losing both of his parents.
• 😀 Despite facing hardships, Makato remains cheerful, hardworking, and good-tempered, earning the praise of his employers.
• 😀 Makato dreams of adventure and longs to see far-off lands, particularly the kingdom of Zakathai.
• 😀 A kind old woman helps Makato on his journey, offering him food and water while listening to his dream of meeting King Rarowan.
• 😀 Makato continues his journey and eventually reaches the kingdom of Sokothai, where he finds work caring for elephants.
• 😀 Makato is noticed by King Rarowan, who gives him a cowrie shell as a gift, a symbol of good fortune.
• 😀 The cowrie shell, though of little monetary value, becomes a symbol of Makato's determination and resourcefulness.
• 😀 Makato uses the cowrie shell to buy lettuce seeds, using his ingenuity to grow a successful vegetable garden.
• 😀 Makato presents his largest lettuces to the king, impressing him with his hard work and resourcefulness.
• 😀 King Rarowan, impressed with Makato's intelligence and industry, promotes him, eventually making him ruler of Mon and the most trusted advisor.
• 😀 Makato's journey demonstrates the value of hard work, perseverance, resourcefulness, and the power of kindness and generosity in achieving success.

Q & A

Who is the main character of the story?

The main character is Makato, a young orphan boy who works hard to make a living after the death of his parents.

What kind of work did Makato do to survive?

Makato worked various jobs such as carrying heavy loads, clearing forests, and feeding pigs. Despite the small wages, he was content as he knew he needed to work to survive.

Why does Makato want to go on a journey?

Makato dreams of going on a journey to distant lands in search of adventure and excitement. He hears that the land to the northeast is fertile and the people are kind, which fuels his desire to explore.

What does the old woman Makato meets on his journey ask him?

The old woman asks Makato where he came from, why he is traveling alone, and whether he has any family.

Why does Makato decide to go with the old woman?

Makato decides to go with the old woman because it offers him a place to stay, food to eat, and possibly a chance to meet the kind-hearted king of Zakathai.

What role does the old woman's husband have in the kingdom?

The old woman's husband is a mahout, one of the royal elephant caretakers. He helps feed the elephants and clean their sheds.

What gift does King Rarowan give to Makato?

King Rarowan gives Makato a small Kaori shell, a token that, while of little monetary value, holds great significance as a gift from the king.

How does Makato use the Kaori shell?

Makato uses the Kaori shell to buy a small amount of lettuce seeds. He plants them and grows a garden, eventually harvesting enough lettuce to present to the king as a token of appreciation.

What impresses King Rarowan about Makato?

King Rarowan is impressed by Makato's intelligence, hard work, and resourcefulness. Makato used the Kaori shell to start a garden, which showed his initiative and cleverness.

What is the outcome of Makato's efforts in the story?

As a result of his hard work and loyalty, Makato is rewarded with a job at the palace, rises to a high position, marries the king's daughter, and eventually becomes the ruler of the kingdom of Mon.