The Lion and the Hare

It was noon, and the sun blazed overhead. The lion king was hungry, but there was no sign of food. This had never happened before—every day, an animal would approach him at noon, offering itself as a meal.

Once, the lion would hunt and catch any animal he could, but the animals had begged him not to wipe them out. They proposed sending one animal daily to the lion, and he had agreed, allowing his meals to arrive at his cave each afternoon.

But today was different. The lion’s patience wore thin, and his stomach growled with hunger. Just then, he spotted a hare approaching.

“So, my food is late and so small! These animals need to be taught a lesson,” the lion thought. “But first, let me fill my stomach.”

“How dare you arrive so late?” he growled at the hare.

“I’m sorry, My Lord. I would have been on time, but I was delayed by a new lion in the jungle,” the hare replied.

The lion was taken aback. “I command you to tell me all about this lion.”

“This lion wanted to gobble me up, but I told him I was on my way to see you. He laughed and said a real king hunts his prey, and I shouldn’t bow to a weak lion like you. His words, My Lord, not mine!” the hare said.

“How dare this lion insult me! Take me to him this instant,” the lion demanded angrily.

“My Lord, the other lion wants to meet you too. He spared my life so I could deliver his message. He claims to be the new king of the jungle.”

“Did he say so? Lead me to that imposter.”

“But, my Lord, I wouldn’t suggest it. He is strong and lives in a fortress.”

“Ha! I wouldn’t expect a puny hare to understand pride. No one in this jungle can challenge me and live. Just lead me to this fake king!”

The hare led the lion to the edge of the jungle, where a stone well stood in a clearing. “My Lord, the other lion lives inside that fort,” he whispered.

The lion climbed to the top of the well and peered down, seeing what he thought was the other lion looking back at him. Unbeknownst to him, he was staring at his own reflection. He let out a huge roar, which echoed off the walls of the well, sounding even louder.

“You are right,” the lion said to the hare. “This fellow is very strong. His roar is mighty. But don’t worry, I will kill him in a jiffy.”

With that, the lion leapt into the well. He hit his head at the bottom and never came out.

The animals hiding behind the bushes emerged, clapping in celebration. The clever hare took a bow, having outwitted the king of the jungle.