The Lion and the Mouse





In the heart of a lush, green forest, where the trees reached high into the sky and the sunlight filtered softly through the leaves, lived many animals of all kinds. Among them was a mighty lion, the king of the forest. His deep roar echoed through the jungle, and all the animals respected—and sometimes feared—him.

One hot afternoon, after a satisfying meal, the lion stretched out under a shady tree for a nap. The air was still, the jungle quiet, and the lion’s soft snores filled the silence. As he lay there dozing peacefully, a tiny mouse was scampering through the grass nearby, searching for food.

The mouse, small and light, didn’t notice the sleeping lion. While chasing a crumb of food, it ran right over the lion’s paw.

Suddenly, the lion opened his eyes. In an instant, he trapped the mouse under his giant paw. His eyes narrowed. His growl rumbled deep in his throat like thunder.

“Who dares to walk on me while I sleep?” the lion roared, his teeth bared.

The poor mouse trembled with fear. It squeaked and wriggled but could not escape the lion’s strong grip.

“Oh great Lion, please forgive me!” cried the mouse. “I didn’t mean to wake you. It was a mistake—I didn’t see you there!”

The lion looked down at the tiny creature beneath his paw and laughed. “You woke me from a deep sleep. Why shouldn’t I eat you as a snack right now?”

The mouse, though afraid, spoke bravely. “I know I’m small, but if you let me go today, I promise I will help you one day in return.”

The lion raised an eyebrow. “You? Help me? What could a tiny mouse possibly do for the king of the jungle?”

Still, the lion was in a generous mood. He let out a deep laugh and slowly lifted his paw. “Very well, little mouse. I’ll let you go. But I doubt you’ll ever be able to repay me.”

“Oh, thank you, thank you, mighty lion!” the mouse squeaked and ran away as fast as it could.

Days passed, and the lion forgot all about the little mouse.

Then, one day, while the lion was walking through the forest, he fell into a trap laid by hunters. A thick net made of rope sprang up from the ground and trapped him. The lion roared in anger and fear. He struggled and clawed, but the ropes were strong and would not break. The more he moved, the tighter the net became.

The forest animals heard the lion’s cries but were too afraid to help. No one dared approach a lion in distress.

But the little mouse, who was nearby gathering food, recognized the lion’s mighty roar.

“That’s the lion who spared my life!” the mouse said. “He’s in trouble!”

Without hesitation, the mouse ran toward the sound. When it reached the lion and saw him trapped in the net, the mouse didn’t hesitate.

“Don’t worry, my friend,” the mouse called out. “I haven’t forgotten my promise.”

The lion looked down and saw the mouse approaching. Even in his pain and fear, he couldn’t believe it.

“You came back?” the lion asked.

“Yes,” said the mouse, “and I will help you now, just like I said I would.”

The mouse got to work immediately. Using its sharp little teeth, it began gnawing through the ropes. It worked quickly and steadily, biting rope after rope. The lion lay still, amazed that such a tiny creature could be so determined.

Bit by bit, the ropes started to snap. The net grew looser and looser, until finally—snap!—the last rope broke. The lion was free!

The lion stood up and stretched his sore limbs. He looked down at the mouse with gratitude.

“You saved my life,” he said softly. “I never imagined that someone so small could help someone like me.”

The mouse smiled. “You were kind to me when you could have hurt me. I only returned that kindness.”

The lion nodded and said, “Today I learned that even the smallest creature can be a true friend.”

From that day on, the lion and the mouse became the unlikeliest of friends. They often shared food, talked under the trees, and even protected each other when danger came.

The other animals in the forest, who had laughed at the mouse before, were now impressed. They saw that size doesn’t matter when it comes to courage, kindness, and loyalty.

Moral of the Story:

"Kindness is never wasted."