Long ago, in the heart of the African forest, the mighty lion fell ill. The news of his suffering spread quickly, and all the animals of the forest hurried to visit their king, offering their concern and assistance. Their footprints crisscrossed the forest floor, marking the paths of loyalty and care.
However, the clever Jackal did not follow. He stayed behind, observing the tracks left by the others. Unlike the other animals, he was cautious and did not want to risk approaching the lion without a plan.
Accusation and Capture
This behavior did not go unnoticed. Hyena, the boastful and curious trickster, accused Jackal of disrespect. “Though I go to see the lion,” she said, “Jackal does not wish to come and observe our king in his suffering.”
The lion, learning of Jackal’s absence, decided to test the situation. He allowed Hyena to pursue and bring Jackal to him. Soon, Jackal appeared before the ailing king, his small eyes glinting with intelligence.
Jackal’s Clever Advice
The lion, weak and suffering, asked Jackal, “Why did you not come to see me in my illness?”
Jackal replied calmly, “Oh, mighty uncle, when I heard of your pain, I did not rush blindly. I consulted the witch doctor, to find what medicine would be best for your suffering.”
The lion’s curiosity grew, though he was too weak to move much.
Jackal continued, “The doctor told me to instruct you: take hold of Hyena and draw her skin over your ears while it is still warm, and then you will recover. Hyena herself does not care for your health, so this remedy ensures your recovery.”
The Strange Cure
The lion, trusting Jackal’s cleverness and desperate for relief, followed the instructions. With great effort, he seized Hyena, who screamed and howled in surprise and indignation. Yet, carefully and precisely, the lion drew her skin over his own ears, following Jackal’s guidance.
As the peculiar remedy took effect, the lion felt renewed strength coursing through his body. The animals of the forest, though bewildered by the strange events, witnessed Jackal’s ingenuity. Once again, Jackal’s intelligence had saved the day, proving that cleverness can sometimes achieve more than sheer strength.
Moral of the Story
The tale of Lion’s Illness teaches that wisdom, caution, and strategy can be as powerful as physical strength. Sometimes, it is not the boldest who succeed, but the one who observes, plans, and acts with intelligence. Bravery and cleverness together ensure survival.
Knowledge Check
1. Who fell ill in this African folktale?
The mighty lion, king of the forest, became sick and weak.
2. Why did Jackal initially avoid visiting the lion?
He was cautious, observing the paths of others and seeking advice before approaching the king.
3. Who accused Jackal of disrespect?
Hyena accused Jackal, claiming he refused to see the lion in his suffering.
4. What advice did the witch doctor give to Jackal?
The doctor instructed Jackal to tell the lion to take Hyena’s skin and place it over his ears while warm.
5. How did the lion recover?
By following Jackal’s clever instructions, using Hyena’s skin as the remedy.
6. What is the moral lesson of the story?
Cleverness, observation, and strategy can achieve success, sometimes more effectively than strength or bold action.
Cultural Origin
This story is an African folktale, illustrating the cleverness of the jackal and the importance of strategy over brute strength in forest communities.
