Once upon a time, in a quiet village, there lived an old woman who owned a fine flock of sheep. She cared for them with great patience, feeding them well and watching over them as if they were her own children. Because of her kindness and diligence, the sheep became famous throughout the land. They grew strong and plump, admired by many who passed by.
But not all who heard of them carried good intentions.
Among the listeners was a wicked wolf, always hungry, always searching for prey. When he learned of the old lady’s fat, healthy sheep, his heart filled with greed. Night after night, he crept up to the woman’s cottage under the cover of darkness. Each time, he carried away one of her beloved sheep, devouring it without mercy.
The old woman tried everything in her power to protect them. She kept watch, strengthened her fences, and prayed for safety. But no matter what she did, the wolf found a way to snatch another. Slowly, the flock that once brought her pride and joy dwindled away.
At last, only one sheep remained.
The woman was heartbroken. She knew the wolf would soon return, and she feared that nothing could save her final animal. As she sat in sorrow, a powerful lion happened to visit the village.
The lion, noble and wise, noticed her grief and asked what troubled her. Through tears, she told him the story of her sheep and the cruel wolf who would not stop until he had taken everything.
The lion listened carefully, then spoke with firm resolve:
“Do not worry. I will protect you. The wicked must face justice.”
That very night, the lion lay down in the pen where the sheep usually slept, while the old woman quietly moved her last sheep to safety.
Meanwhile, the wolf was already making his way toward the cottage, eager for another easy meal. On the path, he encountered a fox. The fox, cautious by nature, was startled by the sight of the wolf and prepared to flee. But the wolf called out, assuring him there was nothing to fear.
“I am on my way to the old woman’s cottage,” the wolf said with pride. “There is still one fat sheep left. Come with me, and we shall share the feast.”
Tempted by the offer, the fox agreed, and together they went straight to the place where the sheep was usually kept.
The wolf, greedy and impatient, rushed in first. He pounced upon what he thought was the final sheep. The fox lingered just behind, waiting to see if it was safe before joining.
Then the sky split with a flash of lightning.
In that brilliant light, the fox saw the truth: the wolf was not sinking his teeth into a helpless sheep at all but into the mighty lion himself.
Terrified, the fox turned and fled, shouting as he ran,
“Look at his face! Look at his face!”
The wolf, confused by the fox’s cries, finally looked closely at his prey. To his horror, the glowing eyes and great mane of the lion stared back at him.
Realizing his mistake, the wolf trembled. He fell to the ground, stammering apologies and begging for forgiveness. But the lion was unmoved.
“You showed no mercy to the old woman or her sheep,” the lion declared. “Now you will reap what you have sown.”
With swift justice, the lion ended the wolf’s life. The old woman’s final sheep was spared, and peace returned to the village.
Moral of the Story
Greed and cruelty bring destruction, but justice will always prevail. The wolf’s downfall reminds us that those who harm the innocent will one day face the consequences of their actions, while those who stand for what is right will be remembered for their courage.
Knowledge Check
1. Who owned the sheep in the story of the Lion and the Wolf?
An old woman owned the flock of sheep and cared for them lovingly.
2. What caused the wolf to target the old woman’s sheep?
The sheep were well-fed and fat, making them famous and desirable prey.
3. How did the lion plan to protect the old woman’s last sheep?
The lion disguised himself by lying in the sheep’s usual sleeping place.
4. What role did the fox play in the story?
The fox accompanied the wolf but fled when he realized the wolf attacked a lion instead of a sheep.
5. What lesson does the Lion and the Wolf teach?
It teaches that greed and cruelty lead to destruction, while justice always prevails.
6. What is the cultural origin of the story?
This is an African folktale passed down through oral storytelling traditions.
