In the heart of the Burundi wilderness, where tall grasses swayed in the wind and the cries of wild creatures echoed across the plains, lived two animals whose natures could not have been more different. The lion, fierce and powerful, was feared by all. His roar shook the earth, and his strength made every creature tread carefully in his presence. The hare, on the other hand, was small and seemingly fragile. Yet what he lacked in size and muscle, he more than made up for in cleverness and quick thinking.
One day, the lion, swollen with pride, declared himself the greatest of all creatures. He boasted not only of his sharp claws and mighty jaws but also of his ability to defeat any animal that dared challenge him. His arrogance spread through the forest like wildfire. The smaller creatures whispered among themselves, frightened by his growing pride, until the hare, bold and sharp-minded, decided it was time to teach the lion a lesson.
The Lion’s Challenge
The lion approached the hare and thundered, “You are but a morsel in my kingdom. I am strength itself! Who dares oppose me?”
The hare, trembling but resolute, bowed respectfully and replied, “Great Lion, if you are truly the strongest, then surely you can prove it. Let us test your strength against my wit. For sometimes, the sharpest mind is stronger than the sharpest claw.”
The lion scoffed, his golden mane shaking as he laughed. “You? Outwit me? Impossible! Very well, little hare, I accept your challenge. When I win, I shall remind the forest of my unmatched power.”
The hare only smiled, knowing that pride often blinds the strongest of beasts.
The Hare’s Plan
The hare led the lion to the edge of a deep well filled with clear water. The surface of the water reflected the world above it like a mirror. “Here lives a lion mightier than you,” the hare whispered, pointing into the well. “If you truly wish to prove your strength, defeat this rival and the whole forest will bow to you without question.”
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The lion peered into the well and saw, staring back at him, a lion as fierce and as proud as himself. He bared his teeth, and the reflection bared its teeth in return. He roared into the well, and the echo roared back with equal ferocity. Enraged by what he believed to be a challenger, the lion lunged into the well with all his might.
With a mighty splash, he fell into the water, thrashing and struggling, but there was no rival lion to fight, only his own reflection. The hare, safe on the edge of the well, watched as the lion, weighed down by his arrogance, failed to climb back up. The once-proud king of beasts was humbled, his strength rendered useless by his own folly.
The Lesson of the Forest
From that day forward, the forest animals no longer trembled at the lion’s empty boasts. They spoke instead of the hare’s courage and cunning. The lion, though still strong, was forced to learn humility. His pride had led to his downfall, and the hare had proven that wit and wisdom could achieve what brute force could not.
The story of the clever hare and the ferocious lion became a tale passed down through generations. Around the fire, elders told it to children, reminding them that strength alone does not make one great. True power lies in knowing when and how to use one’s gifts, whether they be of body or mind.
Moral Lesson
This folktale teaches that intelligence and resourcefulness are more valuable than brute strength. The lion’s downfall came not from an enemy’s claws but from his own arrogance. The hare, though small and weak in appearance, used his mind to overcome a stronger foe.
The lesson endures: humility must temper strength, and cleverness can open doors that force alone cannot. In life, we are reminded that even the smallest among us hold gifts that can shape great outcomes.
Knowledge Check
Who are the main characters in this folktale?
The clever hare and the ferocious lion.
What does the lion symbolize in the story?
Pride, arrogance, and brute strength.
How does the hare outsmart the lion?
By tricking him into attacking his own reflection in a well.
What is the lion’s downfall in the tale?
His arrogance and failure to recognize the hare’s cleverness.
What lesson does the hare teach the forest animals?
That intelligence and humility are stronger than raw power.
Where does this folktale originate?
It is an Burundian folktale, part of its traditional oral storytelling.
Source: Burundian folktale
