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One day, Timur (Tamerlane) gifted an elephant to Nasreddin Hodja's village and ordered the villagers to feed and care for it. The elephant had a huge appetite; it devoured all the hay, crops, and food, leaving the villagers destitute.

The villagers asked Nasreddin Hodja to complain to Timur and ask for the elephant back. Hodja agreed, but only on the condition that everyone accompanied him. A large group set out together.

As they approached Timur's camp, the villagers became frightened and scattered one by one. When Hodja reached Timur, he was alone.

Timur asked, "What do the villagers want?"

Hodja replied, "The villagers are so pleased with the elephant you generously gifted that it seems lonely. They sent me to ask for a second elephant, a female companion!"

Timur, pleased, ordered another elephant to be sent.