Halibu the Hunter. Mongolian legend
On the Mongolian steppes, there once was a hunter named Halibu. He was highly skilled and caught much game, but he was also very kindhearted, readily sharing his meat with everyone. Therefore, he was widely respected.
One day while hunting, he heard strange sounds and looked up to see a small creature in the beak of a fierce bird. He shot the bird down with his arrow and was surprised to see a small snake-like creature freeing itself from the bird, but he was even more surprised when the creature thanked him for saving her. She said she was the daughter of the dragon king and that if he followed her, the king would offer Halibu many treasures. She suggested he ask for the stone in the king's mouth, a magical stone that would allow Halibu to understand the languages of all animals.
The princess took Halibu to her father, and the dragon king was delighted to see his daughter safe and offered Halibu any treasure he desired. The hunter decided he didn't need treasure, but he asked for the magical stone to understand the languages of animals. The king was surprised but agreed on the condition that Halibu never tell anyone what he heard the animals say, or he would be turned into a rock immediately.
With the stone in his mouth, Halibu brought home even more game. But one day he heard a flock of birds discussing an upcoming disaster. They predicted that the mountain would collapse and the plain would flood that night, drowning everyone, including Halibu's home.
Halibu dashed home to warn his people, but none of them would believe him no matter how insistent he was. They said moving was difficult and demanded proof. He reluctantly told them about the dragon king, the magical stone, and the birds' conversation he overheard. As he spoke, he began to turn to rock, and when he finished, he had become completely solid.
The stunned people believed him and hurriedly collected their things.
They barely managed to escape before the mountain collapsed and the area flooded. To this day the descendants of Halibu's people thank him and search for his rock.