The origin of the story can be traced to the Ilocano,[3] which is linked to Indian arts.[4] The Ilocano version of the story offers an explanation on why monkeys don't eat meat. Versions of the story have a common theme of a weaker but cunning character (the tortoise or turtle) winning over a stronger adversary (the monkey).[3]
During his visit to Juan Luna in January 1886 in France, Rizal illustrated the story in 34 plates which he made in an album belonging to Luna's wife. Rizal is considered as the first Filipino cartoonist for this feat and for illustrating five tales by Hans Christian Andersen. Rizal did The Tortoise and the Monkey and the five Andersen tales in Tagalog.[5][6]
