Long ago, when the Lion ruled as the mighty king of the forest, he declared that all old animals should be put to death. He reasoned that only the young and strong deserved to remain, for the old were, in his eyes, useless mouths consuming food and space meant for the younger generation. At once, the forest became a place of sorrow, as the weak and aged were mercilessly slain. Cries of grief faded into silence, and fear stalked the woodland paths.
Yet, in this time of despair, one clever old hare named Kalulu refused to surrender to the Lion’s cruel decree. With his quick wit and cautious steps, he slipped away unseen and found refuge deep within a hidden cave. Only his loyal young son knew of this hiding place. Time passed, and the Lion’s bloody law began to fade from memory as the animals busied themselves once more with the rhythms of forest life.
One fateful day, however, misfortune struck the king of beasts himself. The Lion, weakened by a heavy cold, lay asleep with his mouth wide open. As fate would have it, a long and curious snake, mistaking the gaping mouth for a hollow, slithered inside and coiled itself comfortably in the Lion’s throat. The Lion awoke in torment. His once mighty roar was silenced, and every shift of the snake sent waves of sharp pain through his body.
Unable to endure the agony, the Lion summoned the forest with gestures and muffled grunts, promising great rewards to whoever could lure the creature out. One by one, eager young animals stepped forward to help. They sang, pleaded, and devised tricks, but none could persuade the snake to abandon its warm hiding place. The Lion’s suffering grew unbearable, and so did his anger.
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At last, Kalulu’s son saw an opportunity. With boldness beyond his years, he approached the Lion and whispered: “Your Majesty, I know of a wise one who may help you. He dwells in a hidden cave and has the knowledge to cure your affliction.”
The Lion’s eyes lit with hope. “Bring him at once!” he commanded.
The young hare wasted no time. He raced to the cave and breathlessly told Kalulu of the Lion’s plight. The old hare listened carefully, his whiskers twitching with thought, and then smiled. This was the moment to prove the worth of wisdom. He would save the Lion and restore dignity to the elders of the forest.
Kalulu quickly disguised himself as a mighty magician. He tied a skin cap upon his head, hung conch shells about his body, and draped a garland of tiger teeth around his neck. With every ornament, he transformed into a figure of power and mystery. To complete his plan, he and his son trapped a small mouse, which they carried with them as they set off toward the Lion’s den.
By the time they arrived, the Lion was gaunt with hunger and weak from days of pain. His vision had blurred, and he scarcely recognized the hare beneath the magician’s garb. With a faint growl, he begged the witchdoctor to begin the ritual.
Kalulu stepped forward and began his performance. He danced with solemn rhythm, muttered incantations, and called upon the spirits of the ancestors. Shells clattered, teeth rattled, and his voice rose in commanding chants. All the while, he cleverly set the mousetrap close to the Lion’s open mouth.
The scent of the mouse wafted upward. Restless, the snake stirred within the Lion’s throat. The smell was irresistible. Slowly, cautiously, it uncoiled and slid out of the Lion’s mouth, tongue flickering toward its imagined prey. The very instant the snake left, the Lion’s pain vanished. Strength surged back into his body, and a roar of joy thundered through the forest.
Overcome with relief, the Lion embraced Kalulu tightly. “Wise healer!” he cried. “You have saved me from certain death. Name your reward, and I shall grant it this very moment.”
Kalulu bowed respectfully. “Your Majesty, I ask nothing for myself. I request only one boon, not for me but for all: spare the old animals. Let them live, for in times of need, when youth fails, experience and wisdom may yet save the day.”
The Lion, humbled by the truth in these words, lowered his proud head. He saw clearly his past mistake. Without hesitation, he proclaimed that never again would old animals be slain for their age. From that day forward, the forest lived in balance, with the young learning strength and the old offering wisdom.
Moral Lesson
This tale reminds us that wisdom is just as valuable as strength. Youth may be bold and quick, but experience carries knowledge that cannot be replaced. Even the mighty may one day need the counsel of those they once dismissed. Respect for elders is not merely kindness; it is a safeguard for the whole community, ensuring that knowledge is passed on and survival remains possible.
Knowledge Check
- Q: Who was Kalulu in the Luchazi folktale?
A: Kalulu was a clever old hare who used wisdom to outsmart danger and save the forest. - Q: What decree did the Lion make at the beginning of the story?
A: The Lion ordered all old animals to be killed, leaving only the young and strong alive. - Q: How did the snake enter the Lion’s body?
A: The snake mistook the Lion’s open mouth for a hole and coiled itself inside his throat. - Q: What trick did Kalulu use to lure the snake out?
A: Kalulu disguised himself as a witchdoctor and placed a mouse near the Lion’s mouth to attract the snake. - Q: What reward did Kalulu ask from the Lion?
A: Kalulu asked that all old animals be spared, as their wisdom could be vital in times of need. - Q: What lesson does the folktale teach?
A: The story emphasizes respect for elders and the importance of wisdom alongside strength.
Folktale Origin Source: Kalulu the Hare and Other Zambian Folk-Tales (PDF collection), Luchazi folktale, Zambia.
