While hundreds exist, certain fixed archetypes have survived across coastal Karnataka, the Malnad region, and the northern plains. Here are three enduring templates:
This story is a goldmine of tullu humor. The flawed version ends with “eyeglasses on head.” The fixed version adds three layers.
Fixed Narrative: Amma searches frantically for her spectacles. Son helps look under pillows, inside the fridge, even the puja room. kannada ammana tullu kathegalu fixed
Son: “Amma, kannadigalu heege marete irtara?” (Mother, do Kannadigas forget like this?)
Amma, irritated: “Naanu marete alla – tullu madta idini.” (I am not forgetting – I am playing mischief.) While hundreds exist, certain fixed archetypes have survived
Son: “Yake?” (Why?)
Amma (pointing at a pile of unpaid bills): “Indu nodu, maga. Kanna illade naanu ee bills nodakke aaga baralla. Nale baari nodu thara.” (Today, see without eyes I cannot see these bills. I will see them tomorrow.) Structure: Entirely built on onomatopoeia
Son realizes: she had hidden her own glasses.
Moral (Fixed): A mother’s tullu is often a strategic escape from adult responsibilities. The humor is in the purposeful ignorance.
Structure: Entirely built on onomatopoeia. Example: “Mare mele kogile. Kogile koo... Koo enditu. Adakke gida thala thoragitu. Gida thala thoragi… dhap endu nela mele biditu. Nela mele biddaga… jham endu neeru chinditu.” (The cuckoo on the tree said ‘Koo’. The tree bent its head. The head fell ‘Dhap’ on the ground. When it fell, water splashed ‘Jham’.) Effect: Pure sonic joy. No meaning. Only vibration.
One day, an Idli and a Dosa are in a hot pan. Idli: "I am soft and fluffy. I am king!" Dosa: "No! I am crispy and large. I am queen!" *They start hitting each other. Thu thu thu! Suddenly, a spoon (Hitti) jumps in (Tullu!). Spoon: "Stop fighting! If you fight, I will eat you with chutney!" Idli and Dosa run away. The spoon chases them. Moral: United we stand; divided we fall (into chutney).