Why Cuttlefish and Squid Release Ink

Why Cuttlefish and Squid Release Ink

When the sea was still young and all its creatures were only getting used to their fins, tails, and shells, Bathala called the fish and other sea animals to a great meeting. “Come to the Dark Sea early in the morning,” he announced. “Today each of you will receive a responsibility.” The news traveled quickly through the water. Before sunrise, silver schools of fish were already flashing between the waves. Crab hurried sideways across the bottom. Ray glided over the sand like a broad flat bird. Even Crocodile arrived early and settled a little apart. Bathala sat on a smooth stone and checked the gathering. “Ray?” “Here!” “Crab?” “Here!” “Crocodile?” “Here.” Then Bathala looked around again. “Where are Cuttlefish and Squid?” Everyone searched the water. They were nowhere to be seen. The sea creatures waited a little longer, but the sun was already rising, so Bathala began. “Ray, you will help keep order at gatherings.” The old tale says that Ray received a long tail like a slender whip. “Crab, you will be a guard.” And Crab received strong front claws. Bathala gave other sea creatures tasks and special signs as well. Meanwhile, Cuttlefish and Squid finally remembered the meeting. “We are late!” cried Cuttlefish. “Swim faster!” said Squid. They raced so quickly that little whirlpools spun behind them. When the two burst into the middle of the gathering, Bathala was announcing another decision. “What about us?” Squid interrupted. “What job do we get?” Cuttlefish added. Every fish turned to stare. Bathala frowned. “You are late, and now you interrupt everyone. A greeting and an apology would have been a better beginning.” Cuttlefish and Squid felt embarrassed. But instead of admitting their mistake, they became sulky. “Everyone else received interesting roles,” Squid whispered. “We only get scolded.” Dark soft clay lay on the seabed. “Let us spoil those important records a little,” Cuttlefish suggested. They scooped up some clay and secretly splashed it onto the tablets where the sea assignments had been written. Splash! A black stain spread across one tablet. Splosh! Another dark mark covered the next. The fish gasped. Bathala rose from his stone. “This is no longer an accidental delay,” he said. “You chose a prank instead of an apology. From now on, you will carry a reminder of this day.” He touched Cuttlefish and Squid. At once, each of them gained a little magical pouch filled with dark liquid. “If you become frightened or confused, you may release it into the water,” Bathala explained. “It will form a dark cloud and help you escape. But remember how it first came to you.” Cuttlefish looked at Squid. “It would have been easier simply to say, ‘We are sorry we were late.’” “Much easier,” Squid agreed. And so, according to the old Filipino tale, cuttlefish and squid carry dark ink. When danger comes, they can release it into the water, creating a cloud while they slip away. Perhaps every little ink cloud still carries a reminder of that ancient meeting in the Dark Sea, when two late arrivals discovered that admitting a mistake is usually simpler than trying to hide it.

May this story leave a little light in your heart ✨