The Clever Rabbit and the Proud Lion

The Clever Rabbit and the Proud Lion

dense vibrant forest, lived a mighty lion named Shera. He was not only the strongest animal in the jungle but also the most feared. His roar could shake trees, and his sharp claws and teeth made him the king of all animals. However, unlike a true king who protects his subjects, Shera ruled with terror.

Every day, he would go on a hunting spree. He didn’t care who he caught—deer, monkeys, zebras, or even tiny rabbits. The animals lived in constant fear, and their numbers were dwindling. They could no longer take it.

One day, all the forest animals held a secret meeting near the riverbank under the moonlight. The elephant, the leader among them, raised his trunk and said, “We can’t let this go on. If we don’t act now, none of us will be left.”

A wise old owl hooted softly, “What if we make a deal with the lion? We offer him one animal each day as food. That way, he won’t need to hunt others.”

There was silence. It was risky. But with no better idea, they agreed.

The next morning, a brave group of animals visited the lion’s cave. “Your Majesty,” said the elephant respectfully, “We know you are our king, and we want to serve you. Instead of you going through the trouble of hunting every day, we will send one animal to your cave each day. You won’t need to move, and your meals will come to you.”

Shera’s eyes glistened with greed and laziness. He roared, “Hmm... I like that idea. But if my meal is ever late, I will eat five animals as punishment!”

The terrified animals agreed.

From that day, each morning, one animal walked sadly to the lion’s cave to become his lunch. The forest was quieter, and Shera was satisfied. But inside, the animals were heartbroken. Day by day, they lost friends and family.

Then came the turn of a clever little rabbit named Chintu. He was small, calm, and always thinking. When he heard it was his day to be eaten, he didn’t cry or panic. Instead, he sat under a banyan tree, thinking hard.

“I must do something,” he whispered. “If I go quietly, I will die. But maybe, just maybe, I can save myself—and everyone else.”

After a while, he had a plan. He set off to the lion’s cave but walked slowly, stopping often and pretending to be lost. He picked some flowers, sat near a stream, and even watched the clouds for a while.

Hours passed, and the sun was almost setting when he finally reached Shera’s cave.

The lion was furious. “You’re late!” he roared, slamming his paw on the ground. “I said no delays!”

Chintu bowed politely. “Forgive me, Your Highness. I left early this morning with four other rabbits. We were coming to your cave when suddenly, another lion attacked us!”

“What? Another lion?” Shera growled. “In MY forest?”

“Yes,” said Chintu, pretending to tremble. “He said he’s the real king. He ate my friends and told me to return and warn you. I barely escaped.”

Shera’s pride was wounded. “How dare he? Take me to him now!”

Chintu nodded and led the lion through winding paths deep into the jungle until they reached an old stone well.

“He’s hiding in there,” whispered Chintu. “But be careful—he’s just as strong as you.”

Shera walked up and looked into the well. Inside, he saw his own reflection. Mistaking it for the other lion, he roared, “Come out and fight me!”

The echo replied, “Come out and fight me!”

Furious, Shera jumped into the well to attack his imaginary rival. With a mighty splash, he disappeared into the deep water. He struggled to climb out, but the well was too deep and slippery. Eventually, the lion drowned.

Chintu smiled and returned to the forest. All the animals gathered around him as he told them what had happened. They couldn’t believe it—the lion was gone!

There was laughter, music, and celebration in the forest that night. Animals who hadn’t smiled in weeks were now dancing under the stars.

From that day forward, the forest was free from fear. The animals could roam without worrying about being hunted. Chintu the rabbit was hailed as a hero, not because he was strong, but because he was clever and brave.


-Moral of the Story:

Brains are mightier than brawn. Courage and cleverness can defeat even the strongest enemies. Never underestimate the power of a smart mind.