The Lion and the Sheep

ednheitleeio

The Lion and the Sheep: A Tale of Courage and Wisdom

Once upon a time, in the heart of a vast forest, there lived a mighty lion named Zor. He was feared by all animals in the jungle. His roar echoed through the valleys, and no creature dared to cross his path. Every animal, big or small, would bow before him in fear, for the lion was not just strong — he was also proud and cruel.

Among the animals of the forest, there was a flock of sheep who lived peacefully in the grassy meadows. The flock was led by an old, wise sheep named Bakar. He was gentle, thoughtful, and had seen many seasons pass. The sheep feared the lion like all others, for he would often hunt them when hungry, picking the weakest among them without mercy.

One day, Zor roared louder than ever. “I am the king of the jungle!” he bellowed. “From now on, every animal must bring me food daily, or I shall hunt and destroy you all!” The animals trembled. They knew resisting him meant death.

Each day, different animals brought the lion his meal. When it was the sheep's turn, the flock gathered in panic. “What should we do?” they cried. “If we send one of us, that one will be eaten. If we refuse, he may attack all of us!”

Bakar stood silently and then said, “Let me go and face the lion.”

The younger sheep protested. “But you are old and weak! He’ll eat you in a single bite!”

Bakar smiled gently. “True, I am old. But I have something more powerful than strength — I have wisdom.”

So, the next morning, Bakar slowly made his way through the forest toward the lion’s den. On his way, he stopped at a muddy pond and rolled himself in the thickest mud, making his wool look messy and unpleasant. He then picked up some sharp thorns with his teeth and stuck them into his fur.

When he finally reached Zor, the lion stood tall with hunger in his eyes. “You are late, sheep!” he growled. “And you look disgusting. What happened to you?”

Bakar bowed low and replied, “Oh great king, forgive my delay. On the way here, I was attacked by another lion who claimed he was the true king of this jungle. He told me not to come to you anymore.”

Zor’s eyes blazed with anger. “Another lion? In my jungle? Who dares to challenge my rule?”

Bakar nodded slowly. “Yes, my king. He is large and fierce. He even said that he could defeat you easily.”

Zor roared in fury. “Take me to him at once!”

Bakar led the lion to the muddy pond where his reflection could be seen in the still water. “He waits inside there,” Bakar whispered.

Zor walked to the edge of the pond and saw his own reflection. He thought it was the rival lion. Furious, he jumped into the pond to attack — only to fall into the mud and get stuck in the deep, sticky water.

The lion thrashed and roared, but the more he struggled, the deeper he sank. Bakar stood at the edge and called out, “You may have strength, O mighty lion, but your pride blinded you. Power is nothing without wisdom.”

Zor tried to escape, but he was too heavy and tired. Eventually, the lion’s strength gave out, and he sank into the muddy depths. The forest grew silent.

Bakar returned to his flock, and the news of the lion’s defeat spread like wildfire. The animals of the jungle rejoiced. No longer did they live in fear. From that day on, Bakar was known not just among the sheep, but among all animals as “The Wise One Who Freed the Forest.”

And so, the story of the lion and the sheep became a legend — a reminder that true courage does not always roar, and wisdom can be more powerful than strength.