Keibu Keioiba is a mythological character based on Meiteifolklore. It is a creature having half tiger and half human features, depicted to be transformed from a learned ancient Manipuri physician "Kabui Salang Maiba". He was experimenting with his magical skills and powers, and came up with this idea of turning himself into a powerful man with the strength of a tiger. He became this creature with the head, limbs and strength of a tiger but failed to remember how to revert to his normal human form, owing to low memory or thinking capacity of a tiger.
Story
This is a story of a kind, dedicated and skilled ancient Manipuri physician, who used to ride on a horse and visit places to heal those suffering ailments. As his knowledge and skill kept on increasing day by day, he kept on wanting to learn more and more. At a time, he was able to do whatever he wanted. He kept on conducting experiments until he decided to turn himself into a tiger one day, for he wanted the power of a tiger. He taught his wife how to help him turn into a tiger and how to return to his human form. But, as soon as he became the tiger-like creature Keibu Keioiba, he developed the tiger instinct of roaring and frightening people. So, his wife ran away from him before he could be subjected to return to his human form. Instead, he even tried to kill his wife and ran away in the wildfar from home. When he got hungry, he would come to human villages to steal poultry or fish or livestock, as he never learned how to hunt like a real tiger in the wild. He became the feared and the hated. He began to target humans for food. He came to a village and took a young girl called Thabaton, who was home alone, left by her seven brothers for work. He was avenged by the brothers and the girl was saved.
Moral
The story depicts the never-ending desire of man for getting more which ultimately ruins himself. It teaches a lesson to us about the evil effects of this human nature. We can witness many examples of this today- e.g., global warming because of the never-ending industrial race, world devastation by never ending arms race in world wars, etc.
Impact on Manipur and Meitei society
Almost every Manipuri grow up listening to this folktale from their elders. It is a common story told to kids over many generations.
Film
A 2-D Manipuri animated film, Keibu Keioiba, has been made, directed by Bhumenjoy Konsam, released in 2009, based on the original folktale. The movie has increased awareness of the story to the selfie-generation kids of present Manipur as well as to other communities.
