Long ago, when the world was still young, all animals lived together in peace and friendship. They roamed the forests, meadows, and rivers without rulers or laws. At first, this freedom seemed like joy, but soon it brought trouble. Without anyone to guide them, animals began to act selfishly and cruelly. Predators attacked the weak, quarrels erupted over food, and deceit became common. Life without leadership had turned into chaos, and the animals realized they needed a king to bring order.
One bright morning, under the shade of a great ancient tree, all the animals gathered for a council. Lions with golden manes, sleek wolves, tiny rabbits, clever monkeys, and gentle sheep listened to the elders speak. They agreed that a king must be chosen, but the problem was how to select one that all could accept.
The lion was suggested first. His strength and courage impressed many, but others feared his fierceness. The wolves were next, but the sheep and goats protested, knowing that he would hunt them if he gained power. No choice seemed acceptable to everyone.
Finally, an idea came from the oldest elephant. Two miles away, under a sacred tree, there stood a large stool believed to be the dwelling place of gods. The animals decided that whoever reached the stool first and sat upon it would become king. All agreed, and preparations began for a great race.
The day of the race arrived with sunlight pouring through the forest, casting golden light on the eager competitors. Every animal prepared to run with all their strength. When the signal was given, they sprinted across the fields. The hare, small and swift, quickly left all others behind. His legs moved like lightning and he reached the stool with a wide lead. He was so confident that he could already imagine sitting on the sacred seat.
Just as he leapt forward to claim victory, a voice called out, “Take care, Mr Hare. I was here first.” The hare froze in disbelief and turned. Sitting proudly on the stool was Chameleon. The clever creature had used his ability to change color and blend perfectly with the hare. From the very start of the race, he had clung to the hare’s tail, invisible to everyone. At the last moment, Chameleon dropped from the hare and landed on the stool, claiming victory.
The hare saw what had happened and felt a surge of anger. He wanted to strike Chameleon for cheating, but before he could act, the other animals arrived. According to the rules, they had no choice but to declare Chameleon king. Though he had won the throne, the animals were unhappy. No one celebrated his cleverness, and many murmured their discontent.
Once the meeting ended, the animals scattered in every direction, leaving Chameleon alone on the stool. He realized that a king without subjects is no king at all. Humiliated and sad, he climbed to the top of a tall tree on a distant mountain and made his home there. On quiet nights, if one listens carefully, it is said that Chameleon calls for his attendants to join him, but none ever come. His kingdom is empty, and his crown is heavy with loneliness.
The story of Chameleon reminds all creatures that cleverness and trickery can win a prize, but respect and loyalty cannot be forced. A leader without the trust of those he governs has no real power, and a crown without subjects is meaningless.
Moral Lesson: King Chameleon teaches that cunning alone cannot earn true leadership. Respect, loyalty, and trust from others are the foundations of power. Deceit may win short-term success, but without the support of those you lead, you will be left alone.
Knowledge Check
Why did the animals decide to choose a king?
Answer: The animals chose a king because living without rules led to cruelty and disorder, and they wanted someone to bring justice and order.Why was the lion not chosen as king?
Answer: The lion was considered too fierce and frightening, and many animals feared he would harm them if he became king.How did Chameleon manage to reach the stool first?
Answer: Chameleon hid by changing color to match the hare and clung to the hare’s tail during the race. He jumped onto the stool at the last moment.How did the other animals react to Chameleon being declared king?
Answer: They were unhappy and dissatisfied, so after the meeting, they scattered, leaving Chameleon alone.What lesson does the story of King Chameleon teach about leadership?
Answer: Leadership requires respect and loyalty from others. Cleverness alone is not enough to earn true authority.Where did Chameleon go after being left alone by the other animals?
Answer: Chameleon climbed to the top of a high tree on a mountain and lived in isolation, calling for attendants who never came.
Source: Ashanti folktale, Ghana
