The Clever Jackal and the Proud Lion

In the heart of a vast jungle, where trees whispered ancient secrets and rivers hummed songs of time, there lived a lion named Suran. Suran was strong, fearless, and known across the forest as the “King of Beasts.” His roar echoed like thunder, sending deer scattering, birds flapping, and even the wind seeming to pause.

But Suran had a flaw. His pride was larger than the jungle itself. He believed that his strength alone made him invincible, that no creature—big or small—could ever challenge him.

One hot afternoon, as the sun painted golden streaks across the sky, Suran prowled near a clearing. His amber eyes spotted a jackal, lean and quick, sipping water from a pond. The jackal’s name was Vira, and though small compared to the lion, he carried sharpness not in his claws, but in his mind.

Suran growled, amused. “What are you doing here, little trickster? Shouldn’t you run at the sight of your king?”

Vira bowed slightly, but his eyes twinkled with mischief. “Oh mighty Suran, I respect your strength. But sometimes, even kings can be mistaken about their power.”

The lion’s mane bristled. “Mistaken? Are you daring to question me?”

“Not question,” Vira replied calmly, “but I wonder if pride has blinded you. Strength alone doesn’t always win battles.”

The jungle grew silent. Suran’s roar broke it like a storm. “Then prove it, jackal! Challenge me, and let us see if wit can stand before might.”

Vira’s heart raced, but he did not show fear. “Very well. I accept your challenge. But let us not fight with claws and teeth—that is your realm. Instead, let us test who can outsmart the other.”

Suran laughed. “A game of cleverness? Very well. But if you lose, you shall serve me forever.”

“And if I win,” said Vira, “you must promise never to boast again, and rule with humility.”

The lion agreed, confident there was no way a small jackal could outwit him.


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The First Test

Vira led Suran to a tall cliff where the rock sloped down into a valley. “Look down there,” Vira said, pointing at a still pool that mirrored the sky. “Do you see another lion?”

Suran peered into the water. Indeed, his own reflection glared back at him, mane swaying, muscles rippling.

“That is a rival lion,” Vira whispered, “and he dares to claim your territory. If you are truly the king, drive him away.”

Enraged, Suran leapt into the pool with a mighty roar. Water splashed high as he clawed at the reflection, but of course, there was no rival—only himself. The lion dragged himself out of the pool, wet and furious.

Vira chuckled softly. “Strength wasted on shadows.”


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The Second Test

The next day, Vira led Suran to an ancient banyan tree with roots like snakes and branches that touched the sky. At its base lay a large hollow.

“Inside,” said Vira, “is a beast that devours all who enter. If you truly are fearless, step in and defeat it.”

Suran puffed out his chest. Without hesitation, he shoved his head inside the hollow. Suddenly, from deep within, a swarm of bees burst out, angry at the intrusion.

The lion roared and thrashed, but the bees stung him relentlessly, driving him away. His once-proud mane was now tangled and swollen with stings.

Vira shook his head. “Courage is noble, but recklessness is foolish.”


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The Final Test

Bruised in body and ego, Suran growled, “Enough tricks, jackal! Give me a true test, one worthy of a lion.”

Vira smiled. “Very well. My last challenge: try to catch me.”

Before the lion could react, Vira darted into the thickets. He knew every path, every tunnel beneath roots, every hollow log in the jungle. Suran thundered after him, muscles straining, but wherever he leapt, the jackal slipped away.

The chase went on until the lion’s breath came in heavy gasps, his paws scraped, and his mighty body trembled with exhaustion. At last, Vira appeared atop a rock, calm and unbothered.

“You see, Suran,” he said gently, “strength has its limits. Wit finds paths where muscle cannot. A wise king knows both his power and his weakness.”


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The Lesson

The lion collapsed onto the earth, his pride wounded deeper than his body. For the first time, silence filled his heart where arrogance once roared.

“You have won, jackal,” Suran admitted. “Your wit has shown me what my pride could not. I am king, yes, but what is a king without wisdom? Only a fool wearing a crown.”

From that day forward, Suran ruled with a new spirit. He listened to the small as well as the mighty. He no longer boasted of strength, but sought counsel and fairness. The jungle grew more peaceful, for its ruler had traded pride for humility.

And as for Vira, he returned to his quiet life, carrying no crown, no throne—only the satisfaction that a clever mind had tamed a proud heart.


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Moral of the Story

Pride may roar the loudest, but wisdom whispers the truth. Strength may rule for a time, but only humility makes a ruler truly great.