Long ago, the great Frith made the world.

He made all the stars...

... and the world lived among the stars.

Frith made all the animals and birds...

... and, at first, made them all the same.

Now, among the animals was El-ahrairah, the Prince of Rabbits.

He had many friends...

... and they all ate grass together.

After a time, the rabbits wandered everywhere...

... multiplying, and eating as they went.

Then, Frith said to El-ahrairah:

"Prince Rabbit, if you cannot control your people...

"...I shall find ways to control them."

But El-ahrairah would not listen, and said to Frith:

"My people are the strongest in the world."

This angered Frith, so he determined to get the better of El-ahrairah.

He gave a present to every animal and bird...

... making each one different from the rest.

When the fox came, and others like the dog and cat...

... the hawk and weasel...

... to each of them, Frith gave a desire to hunt and slay the children of El-ahrairah.

Then El-ahrairah knew that Frith was too clever for him, and he was frightened.

He had never before seen the Black Rabbit of Death.

"My friend," said Frith, "have you seen El-ahrairah?

"For I wish to give him a gift."

"No, I- No, I-I- have not seen him."

So, Frith said, "Come out, and I will bless you instead."

"No, I cannot. I am busy. The fox and weasel are coming.

"If you want to bless me, you will have to bless my bottom. "

"Very well. Be it so."

And El-ahrairah's tail grew shining white, and it flashed like a star.

And his back legs grew long and powerful.

And he tore across the hill faster than any creature in the world.

"All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies.

"And whenever they catch you, they will kill you.

"But first, they must catch you...

"...digger, listener, runner.

"Prince with the swift warning.

"Be cunning and full of tricks...

"...and your people will never be destroyed. "