In a thick jungle, there lived a fierce lion. He hunted every day, killing many animals. The poor creatures trembled in fear.
One day, they gathered for a meeting. “If this continues, none of us will survive,” said the deer.
“Yes,” agreed the monkey. “Let us make a plan.”
Together, they went to the lion. “O King,” said the animals, bowing low, “hunting every day is tiring for you. From now on, we will send one animal to you daily for your meal.”
The lion licked his lips. “Very well. That saves me effort.”
So each day, one animal went to the lion. Finally, it was the turn of a little rabbit. The rabbit was very clever. “I must save everyone,” he thought.
Instead of going early, the rabbit walked slowly. The lion grew angry, pacing in hunger. “How dare you come late?” he roared.
The rabbit bowed. “Forgive me, O King. I was on my way, but another lion stopped me! He said he is the true king of this jungle. He wants to challenge you.”
The lion’s eyes blazed. “What? Another lion? Take me to him at once!”
The rabbit led him to an old well. He pointed inside. “There, my lord, he lives.”
The lion peered into the well and saw his own reflection in the water. He thought it was another lion.
“Raaaarrr!” he roared, and the reflection roared back. Furious, he leapt into the well to fight. But alas—he fell in and drowned.
The animals cheered and danced with joy. The rabbit smiled humbly. “Wisdom is stronger than strength.”
Moral: Cleverness can defeat power.