"The Clever Hare and the Proud Lion"

Once upon a time, in the heart of a dense and vibrant jungle, there lived a powerful lion named Zor. With his golden mane and thunderous roar, Zor was feared by all the animals. He was the self-declared king of the jungle, and he ruled not with wisdom, but with terror.

Each day, Zor would hunt any animal he wished. He was not a lion who hunted for hunger alone—he hunted for sport, to remind the jungle who was in charge. The animals lived in constant fear, hiding in burrows and trees, praying they wouldn’t be chosen as his next meal.

One day, the animals decided they could bear it no longer. They gathered in a secret meeting deep in the forest.

“We must do something,” said the deer. “Zor is hunting us one by one. Soon, none of us will be left!”

“But what can we do?” asked the porcupine. “He is strong, and we are not.”

“We need someone brave and clever,” said an old tortoise. “Someone who can outwit him.”

At that moment, a small voice piped up. “I’ll do it.”

The animals turned to see who had spoken. It was Hanu, the hare. Small, quick, and known for his cleverness, Hanu stepped forward with calm confidence.

“Are you sure, Hanu?” asked the owl, blinking with worry. “You may be clever, but Zor is dangerous.”

“I know,” said Hanu, “but brains can beat brawn. Trust me.”

The next morning, Hanu made his way to Zor’s den. The lion lay sprawled across a rock, his massive tail flicking lazily.

“You’re late,” growled Zor, eyeing the hare. “Where is my meal today?”

Hanu bowed low. “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I was on my way with a delicious feast when another lion stopped me. He claimed he was the real king of the jungle and demanded that I take the food to him instead.”

Zor’s eyes narrowed. “Another lion? In my jungle?”

“Yes, mighty Zor,” Hanu said, pretending to tremble. “He was big and fierce, and he roared that he would defeat any who challenged his rule.”

Zor leapt to his feet, his pride wounded. “Take me to him—now!”

“As you wish,” said Hanu, hiding his smile.

Hanu led Zor through the jungle, hopping quickly along paths only he knew. He took the lion deeper and deeper until they reached an old, abandoned well at the edge of the jungle. Vines crept along the stone, and the water below was still and dark.

“There!” said Hanu, pointing into the well. “He’s hiding in there, waiting for you.”

Zor stalked up to the well and peered in. As he looked down, he saw a reflection of himself in the water—his golden mane, his fierce eyes, his snarling mouth.

“There you are, imposter!” he roared, mistaking his reflection for the other lion. “Come out and fight me!”

But the reflection roared back, just as fiercely.

Enraged, Zor leapt into the well.

With a loud splash, the proud lion fell into the deep, cold water. He tried to climb out, but the walls were too slippery, and the water too deep. No matter how he clawed or roared, he could not escape.

Hanu looked down into the well and called, “Next time, perhaps you’ll think before ruling with fear!”

The jungle echoed with silence. Then, one by one, animals emerged from their hiding places. The birds chirped in joy, the deer danced in the glade, and the monkeys swung from trees in celebration.

“Hanu the Clever! Hanu the Brave!” they cheered.

From that day on, the jungle was peaceful once more. The animals lived in harmony, and no one ruled by fear again. The tale of the proud lion and the clever hare was told for generations, a reminder that even the mightiest can be humbled by the smallest—if the small one is wise.

And as for Hanu, he never claimed a throne or demanded tribute. He simply smiled and went back to his quiet burrow, proving that true leadership comes not from strength, but from courage, wit, and kindness.