A cruel lion lived in a forest. Every day he killed many animals, even when he was not hungry. The animals were frightened, so they went to the lion together. “Please do not kill so many of us,” they said. “Every day one of us will come to you as your food.” The lion agreed.
One day it was the turn of a small rabbit. The rabbit was clever, and he made a plan. He walked slowly and reached the lion’s den very late. The lion was angry and hungry. “Why are you so late?” he roared.
“Your Majesty,” said the rabbit, “on the way another lion stopped me. He says that he is the true king of this forest.” The lion was furious. “Show me this lion at once!” he shouted.
The rabbit led him to an old well full of water. “He lives down there,” said the rabbit. The lion looked into the well and saw his own reflection. He thought it was the other lion. He roared, and the roar echoed back from the well. In his anger the lion jumped into the well to fight, and he was never seen again.
The rabbit ran back and told the other animals, and the whole forest celebrated.
Moral of the story
Brains are stronger than strength.
New words
- cruel
- enjoying hurting others
- den
- the home of a wild animal
- furious
- very angry
- reflection
- the image you see in water or a mirror
- echoed
- came back as a repeated sound
- celebrated
- had a happy time because of something good
Questions and answers
- Why were the animals frightened?
Show answer
The lion killed many animals every day, even when he was not hungry.
- What did the animals promise the lion?
Show answer
They promised to send one animal to him every day as his food.
- Why did the rabbit reach the den late?
Show answer
He walked slowly on purpose, as part of his plan.
- What story did the rabbit tell the lion?
Show answer
He said that another lion had stopped him and claimed to be the true king of the forest.
- What did the lion see in the well?
Show answer
He saw his own reflection, but he thought it was another lion.
- What does this story teach us?
Show answer
It teaches us that brains are stronger than strength.
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