An Advice of Lion to His Son

The sun was setting over the great savannah, casting golden light across the grasslands. A warm breeze whispered through the trees, and the sky turned shades of orange and purple. On the highest rock of the hill, the great lion, King Zaraf, sat with his son, a young lion cub named Leo.

Leo had grown curious about the world beyond their territory. He had often heard tales of the jungle, the desert, and even the land where humans lived. That evening, with the light fading and silence settling over the plains, Leo turned to his father.

“Father,” he said softly, “one day I’ll be king like you. But how do I know I will be ready?”

Zaraf looked down at his son, his golden mane swaying gently in the breeze. He smiled, but his eyes held the weight of experience.

“My son,” Zaraf began, his voice deep and calm, “there are many things I have learned through battles, hardship, and wisdom passed down from our ancestors. Tonight, I will share with you the lessons that every lion king must know.”

Leo sat straight, ears alert.

1. Know Your Strength, But Do Not Misuse It

“You are strong,” Zaraf said, “but strength without wisdom is like a river without direction. It can flood and destroy. Use your power to protect, not to intimidate. True kings never roar to be feared—they roar to defend.”

Leo nodded, imagining himself standing tall against threats.

2. Respect the Weak, for They May Teach You Humility

Zaraf gazed into the distance. “Once, when I was young like you, I chased a small turtle for fun. I thought myself mighty. But I slipped and fell into a stream. That slow, quiet turtle stayed beside me until I climbed out. Never underestimate anyone, no matter how small.”

3. Learn the Language of the Wind and Silence

Leo frowned. “What do you mean, Father?”

Zaraf chuckled. “There is wisdom in quietness. The wind tells you when danger is near. Silence reveals things noise hides. A good leader listens more than he speaks.”

4. Walk Alone, But Never Forget Your Pride

“There will be times, Leo,” Zaraf said, “when you must make decisions on your own, walk alone, or lead when no one follows. But always remember your family, your pride, your people. A lion may walk alone, but he is never truly alone.”

5. Courage Is Not the Absence of Fear

Leo looked up. “But you’re never afraid, Father.”

Zaraf smiled. “Oh, but I have been. When your mother was ill, I feared losing her. When humans built fences near our land, I feared for our future. Courage is not pretending to be fearless—it is choosing to act even when you are afraid.”

6. Forgive, But Do Not Forget

“A lion does not hold hatred in his heart,” Zaraf continued, “but he remembers every lesson. Forgive your enemies, but remember what they taught you. Pain is often the best teacher.”

Leo’s eyes widened. “Have you forgiven all your enemies?”

“Not all,” Zaraf said honestly. “But I try, for hatred is a chain that keeps you from growing.”

7. When You Roar, Roar with Purpose

“Every roar you let out,” Zaraf said, “must have a reason. Do not roar for pride. Roar to inspire. Roar to lead. Roar when your pride needs courage, not applause.”

The wind grew cooler. Stars began to appear in the sky.

Leo leaned against his father’s side, his young heart full of wonder and pride.

“Will I remember all this, Father?”

Zaraf lowered his head gently beside his son. “You don’t need to remember every word tonight. Just remember who you are. The rest will come with time. You were born with the heart of a lion. Let it lead you.”

The two lions sat quietly as night settled in, the stars glowing above like the eyes of ancestors watching from the heavens.

And in that silence, a cub grew wiser—and a father grew proud.