The Hare’s Quick Wit

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The jungle had grown quiet with fear. Every creature trembled at the thought of the lion king, who hunted at will. At last, the animals struck a desperate bargain—each day, one among them would go willingly to his den. In return, the lion swore to spare the rest. So it went, until the lot fell upon a small hare.

The hare, reluctant to surrender his young life, walked slowly, thinking hard. By the time he reached, the lion was furious at the delay, his golden eyes blazing. Just as he leapt, the hare cried, “Great king, I am late only because another lion stopped me. He claimed to be the true ruler and devoured the others. He waits now, daring you to prove your strength.”

At once, the lion’s pride flared. Another king? Impossible. The hare led him to a deep, dark well. “Here is his den,” the hare whispered. Peering in, the lion saw a face staring back, fierce and unyielding. He roared, and the roar thundered back twice as strong. Believing his rival challenged him, the lion leapt.

The water swallowed him whole. And with that, the jungle knew peace again—delivered by the wit of the smallest creature.

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Moral: The sharpness of the mind outlasts the strength of the body.

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