Long ago, there was a ruthless lion who ruled the jungle, killing many animals for his meals. All the animals in the jungle lived in fear of him. One day, all the animals approached him with a suggestion. Among them, the clever fox spoke affectionately, “Your Majesty! You are our king, and we are your subjects. We have a suggestion for you. If you are growing old and weak, why not stay at home? We promise that a different animal will come to you every day to serve as your meal. This way, you won’t have to hunt anymore, and we will also live peacefully.”
The lion liked the suggestion and roared, “If you can’t send an animal, I will kill as many as I please!” The animals replied, “Your Majesty, we will keep our promise.” From that day on, one animal would go to the lion’s den every day, and the lion would consume it.
One day, it was the turn of the rabbits. A small rabbit was selected to go. He was very clever and didn’t like the idea of the lion eating everyone. As he approached the lion’s den, he devised a plan to save himself and the other animals.
When the lion saw the small rabbit, he became furious. “Who sent you? You are too small, and you’ve come late,” roared the lion angrily. The little rabbit saluted and said, “Your Majesty, please listen to me. On the way here, I encountered another lion who claimed to be the king of the jungle. I somehow managed to escape from him.”
“Another lion? Where is he? Show me that other lion!” thundered the lion. The rabbit led the lion to a well in the jungle. “He lives in this castle,” said the rabbit cunningly.
The lion peered into the well and saw his reflection. Mistaking it for another lion, he roared furiously. With all his might, he jumped into the well to attack the other lion but drowned in it.
The clever rabbit happily returned home. He had saved the lives of the animals with his bravery and wit.
Moral: Intelligence triumphs over strength.
