The Clever Hare and the Greedy Lion
Long ago, in the heart of Uganda, the animals of the forest lived under the rule of a mighty lion. He was strong and feared by all, but he was also greedy. Every week, he demanded one animal to be brought to him as food—or he would hunt them all.
The animals were terrified. One by one, they sacrificed their own until finally, it was the clever hare’s turn.
Instead of heading straight to the lion’s den, the hare strolled slowly, stopping to eat sweet grass and take naps under the trees. When he finally arrived, the lion roared, “Why are you late?”
The hare bowed low. “Oh mighty king, I would have come sooner, but another lion stopped me and claimed to be the true king of this forest. He said he would eat me instead!”
The lion’s eyes burned with anger. “Another lion? In my kingdom?”
“Yes,” said the hare. “He lives in a deep cave near the river. If you hurry, you can catch him!”
The lion demanded to be taken there. The hare led him to a well so still it looked like a mirror. “Look inside,” the hare said.
When the lion peered in, he saw his own reflection. Thinking it was the rival lion, he leapt into the well to fight—and drowned.
The animals rejoiced. From that day, they lived free and named the clever hare their hero.
Moral: Wit is stronger than might, and greed often leads to downfall.