The Hunt or the Lesson – The Tale of the Monkey, the Horse, and the Lion

It was a hot afternoon in Sierra Leone. The golden sunlight spread across the grassy plains, and the dry air carried the scent of dust. At the edge of the forest, a curious monkey named Maka sat high on a branch, scanning the open field below.

Down there, a beautiful brown horse grazed peacefully. The horse belonged to the nearby village farmers, but it often wandered alone into the meadow.

A playful thought sparked in Maka’s mind: “What if I ride that horse? I’ve seen humans do it… maybe I can see the world from up there!”

Climbing down quietly, Maka crept toward the horse. With a sudden leap, he landed squarely on its back. The horse startled, snorted, and stepped back, but when it realized the small creature wasn’t a threat, it allowed the ride.

Maka grinned wide. “Wow! I feel like the king of the jungle now!”

But the true king of the jungle — Kano the lion — was at the far end of the grasslands that very moment. Hungry and restless after two days without a proper meal, his sharp eyes caught sight of the horse… and something extra sitting on top. To Kano, it didn’t matter — prey was prey.


oving low through the tall grass, Kano approached like a shadow sliding across the earth. The horse’s ears twitched; it sensed danger. Suddenly, its eyes widened and, without warning, it bolted forward at full speed.

Maka jolted, nearly losing his grip. Glancing back, his heart froze. The lion was charging after them, his golden mane flowing, eyes locked directly on Maka.

“Run! Faster! Go, go, go!” Maka squealed, though the horse hardly needed encouragement. Hooves pounded the ground like war drums. Tufts of grass flew into the air, and a trail of dust swirled behind them.

Kano’s heavy paws hit the earth with a deep, rhythmic thud. He was closing the distance. The air was thick with tension, every second stretching like an eternity.


aka’s mind raced. “I started this as a game… but now it’s life or death.”

Ahead, a small river glimmered under the sun. The horse slowed just a bit, unsure of the depth. The water was fast and murky. Behind them, Kano’s growl rumbled louder, closer.

The horse stopped at the bank, stomping nervously. There was no time to think — the lion was nearly upon them. Maka made his choice.

Leaping from the horse’s back, he grabbed a dangling vine from an overhanging tree branch and swung himself high into the foliage. The horse neighed loudly, then splashed into the river and scrambled across to the other side.

Kano didn’t bother following the horse. His eyes were now fixed on the monkey clinging to the branch above.
me down, little snack,” the lion growled, pacing beneath the tree.

Maka held his breath, trying not to tremble. He knew lions couldn’t climb trees, but a hungry lion could wait — and wait he did.

Hours passed. The sun dipped low, the shadows stretched long. Kano circled the tree, his tail flicking in frustration. As night fell, he finally gave up, slinking back into the darkness in search of an easier meal.

Maka waited until he was certain the lion was gone before climbing down. His playful spirit was gone, replaced by a deep sense of humility.next morning, Maka spotted the brown horse grazing again near the edge of the meadow. He approached slowly. The horse noticed him and took a cautious step back.

Maka lowered his head and said softly, “Yesterday, you saved my life… and I put yours in danger. I’m sorry.”

The horse said nothing, but his calm, steady gaze seemed to speak: “Friendship means responsibility.”
al:

Life’s adventures and playful risks can be exciting, but dragging others into danger for your own thrill is selfish. A true friend protects you, and a true friendship is one you protect in return.

This isn’t just a tale of the jungle — it’s a reminder for anyone who acts without thinking and puts others at risk. Fun, freedom, and daring choices have value, but responsibility and care for those around you matter more.