Long ago, when the world was still young and the animals had no fear of one another, Lion ruled the forest with unmatched strength. His roar echoed across the land like thunder, and his claws were sharp enough to tear through anything that stood in his way. Whenever he rose to fight, the other animals scattered in terror. None dared to challenge him, for his power was too great, and his pride grew with each victory.
One day, Lion grew restless. He looked around and saw that no animal dared approach him, not even the strongest among them. His chest swelled with pride, and he declared, “I am king of the forest! Let all creatures know that none can withstand me.”
The animals trembled and fled before his boastful voice. Yet among them were the small and the weak, creatures overlooked by Lion’s mighty eyes. They whispered among themselves, and finally the little ones said, “If no one dares to face him, let us at least try. Together we can show him that even the smallest have courage.”
From among them stepped Beetle, tiny and humble, but full of quiet confidence. “I will fight Lion,” Beetle announced. The other animals laughed at first, thinking it was a foolish dream. How could such a small creature stand against the king of the forest? But Beetle’s eyes gleamed with determination.
When the time came, Lion stood tall, his mane bristling, his teeth flashing in the sun. He laughed when he saw Beetle approach. “So it is you, little one, who dares to challenge me? Very well, but I will crush you with one step.”
Beetle said nothing. Instead, he waited for his moment and crept closer. Lion roared, shaking the trees, but Beetle did not run. Instead, he darted quickly and found his way inside Lion’s nostrils.
With a sharp bite, Beetle stung him deep within his nose. Lion roared in pain, pawing at his face, shaking his head wildly, but Beetle clung fast. Again and again he bit until Lion could no longer bear the torment. His roar turned to howls of agony, and he ran through the forest with his mane wild and his pride shattered.
The animals who once feared him now gathered and laughed. The little ones pointed at him and said, “You are strong, Lion, but today Beetle has conquered you.”
And so it was known from that day that even the mightiest can be humbled by the smallest, for strength is not measured by size alone.
Moral Lesson of Lion’s Defeat
The story of Lion’s Defeat teaches us that pride can bring downfall. No matter how powerful one may be, it is unwise to underestimate the small or weak. Courage, cleverness, and determination often prove stronger than brute force.
Knowledge Check: Lion’s Defeat
What lesson does the Nigerian folktale “Lion’s Defeat” teach about pride and humility?
The folktale shows that pride makes one vulnerable, and even the smallest opponent can overcome the strongest when courage and determination are present.How did the other animals react to Lion’s strength at the beginning of the story?
They all ran away in fear because they believed no creature could challenge his power.Why did Beetle volunteer to fight Lion in “Lion’s Defeat”?
Beetle wanted to show that even small creatures could stand up to the mighty Lion and prove that strength is not only about size.What clever tactic did Beetle use to defeat Lion?
Beetle crept into Lion’s nose and bit him from the inside, causing pain that Lion could not endure.How did Lion’s downfall affect his image among the animals?
The animals mocked him, saying that although he was strong, Beetle had humbled him and taken away his pride.What cultural value from Nigerian folktales is reflected in the story of Lion’s Defeat?
The story reflects the value of humility, respect for all beings, and the belief that wisdom and courage can triumph over brute force.Source: Traditional Nigerian folktale passed down through oral storytelling traditions, emphasizing humility and the power of the small over the mighty.Source: Traditional Nigerian folktale passed down through oral storytelling traditions, emphasizing humility and the power of the small over the mighty.
