[1] He used to be an accomplished poet who could instantly compose verses, to suit any ongoing situation.
Despite being a mere joker, the tales suggest Andare had a superior intellect that aided him in turning situations to his favour.
He was also a skilled archer who could allegedly shoot down a frog croaking in a pond at night by the sound it makes, for which feat he eventually received his title, "sadda vidda palanga pathira", from the king.
Manel Ratnatunge in her book Tales from Sri Lanka: Folk and History[3] captures two Andare stories.
Andare volunteered on the condition that he be fed rice and black fowl curry for three months.