Long ago, in the golden heart of the African savannah, where the sun painted the tall grasses in shimmering hues of bronze and the wind carried the scent of wild earth, lived the mighty Lion. His mane was like a crown of fire, and his roar shook the plains so fiercely that birds would scatter from the treetops and antelope would flee in trembling herds. Among all the animals, none doubted his strength or his power. He was king, the ruler of beasts.
But the savannah was not only home to the strong and the swift. Beneath the bushes, burrowing in secret tunnels, scurrying between roots and stones, lived the small and seemingly insignificant Mouse. His whiskers twitched at every sound, and his tiny feet danced nervously upon the earth. Though no one gave him much regard, the Mouse carried within him a heart as quick and determined as his steps.
One fateful morning, while exploring too boldly near the open paths of the savannah, the Mouse darted straight across the Lion’s sleeping ground. The great beast stirred, his heavy paw slamming down before the Mouse could escape. Trapped beneath claws as sharp as spears, the Mouse trembled.
“Who dares disturb my rest?” thundered the Lion, his golden eyes burning like twin suns.
“It is I, little Mouse,” squeaked the small creature, his voice shaking like dry leaves in the wind. “Spare me, mighty Lion. I meant no harm. If you let me go, perhaps one day I may return the favor.”
The Lion threw back his head and laughed, the sound echoing across the plains. “You? A tiny scrap of fur and bones? How could you ever help me? Still, your courage amuses me.” And with a flick of his paw, he released the Mouse. “Go then, little one. Your freedom is my gift.”
The Mouse scurried away, his heart pounding with both fear and relief. Though many thought his promise foolish, he remembered it. Deep within, he carried a quiet determination to keep his word if fate ever gave him the chance.
The Lion’s Capture
Seasons passed, and the savannah shifted with the rhythm of rains and droughts. One day, hunters from a distant village set a great trap in the forest. They laid down heavy ropes, hidden beneath leaves and soil, and waited with patient cunning.
It was the Lion, proud and fearless, who stepped into their snare. With a violent snap, the ropes tightened around him, binding his legs and pulling him to the ground. He roared with fury, the sound shaking the forest, but no amount of strength could break the hunters’ cords. For the first time, the king of the savannah lay helpless.
Hours passed. The Lion thrashed and struggled, but the ropes only cut deeper. At last, his mighty voice broke into a cry of despair that carried far into the trees.
The Mouse, foraging nearby, stopped in his tracks. His whiskers twitched as he recognized that voice, the same roar that had once spared his life. Without hesitation, the little creature raced toward the sound.
The Mouse Keeps His Promise
There he found the Lion, tangled in the cruel ropes, his golden mane dusty and his eyes filled with rage and sorrow. The Mouse’s tiny heart ached at the sight.
“Be still, great Lion,” he called softly. “It is my turn to repay your mercy.”
At first, the Lion could not believe it. “You? What can you do against these ropes?” he groaned.
But the Mouse did not waste words. With sharp teeth made for gnawing seeds and roots, he began to bite at the cords. Patiently, strand by strand, he chewed through the thick ropes. His jaws ached, but his determination burned stronger than pain.
The sun dipped lower, shadows lengthened, and finally, with one last bite, the ropes snapped. The Lion rose, shaking off the remnants of the trap, free once more.
The great beast gazed down at the tiny Mouse. His voice, once thunderous, was now humbled and soft. “Little friend, today you have taught me that no creature is too small to make a difference. Your kindness has saved my life.”
From that day, the Lion and the Mouse shared a bond of friendship. The savannah remembered their story, passing it down through generations as a lesson in humility, gratitude, and the strength found even in the smallest of hearts.
Moral Lesson
This Ghanaian folktale reminds us that true strength is not measured by size or power alone. Even the smallest acts of kindness can create ripples that change lives. No one is too insignificant to make a difference, and no one is too mighty to need the help of others. Gratitude and humility are the roots of lasting harmony.
Knowledge Check
1. Who are the main characters in the Ghanaian folktale “How the Lion Rewarded the Mouse’s Kindness”?
The story features the Lion, king of the savannah, and the humble Mouse who repays his kindness.
2. What important lesson does the Lion learn from the Mouse?
He learns that even the smallest creature can make a powerful difference and that no one is beyond needing help.
3. Why did the Lion release the Mouse at the beginning of the story?
The Lion was amused by the Mouse’s courage and chose to spare his life.
4. How did the Mouse repay the Lion’s kindness?
The Mouse chewed through the hunters’ ropes, freeing the Lion from the trap.
5. What cultural origin does this folktale come from?
This story originates from Ghana, part of West Africa’s rich oral storytelling tradition.
6. What universal moral value does this Ghanaian folktale highlight?
It emphasizes gratitude, humility, and the importance of kindness, no matter one’s size or strength.
Source: Ghanaian folktale
