Long ago, in the vast forests and open plains of Angola, the Lion raised his mighty voice in a roar that shook the trees and startled the birds into flight. His mane blazed like fire in the sun, and his eyes glowed with a pride as fierce as the midday heat. “In this wide world,” declared Lion, “there is none equal to me in strength. None, save my friend Elephant Ngola ’Aniinii, who bears the weight of mountains, and Redant of Malemba, whose very resting place is pain itself. Only these two can stand beside me in might.”
The animals of the forest grew silent at his words, for they knew the Lion’s reputation as king. They had seen him bring down antelope with a single leap, and they had heard his roar echo across valleys like rolling thunder. To many, it seemed natural to believe him, for who could question the ruler of the wild? Yet hidden in the thicket, crouched low among the shadowed leaves, was Wolf, listening carefully. His sharp ears twitched, and his eyes narrowed with cunning.
Wolf, unlike Lion, was not feared for strength but for wit and quickness. He knew the ways of the forest, the secrets of survival, and the art of striking where pride was weakest. When he heard Lion boast that none surpassed him, a sly smile crept across his muzzle.
At last, Wolf stepped out from the brush. His paws moved lightly on the earth, but his voice carried a sting. “Lion,” he said, standing at a distance, “thou hast spoken a lie. You claim that none is stronger than you, save Elephant and Redant. But I tell you, there are those greater still.”
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The Lion’s ears twitched, his mane bristled, and his tail lashed the air. “Who dares speak so before me?” he growled. Yet Wolf was not afraid. He walked a little further, keeping just beyond Lion’s reach, and lifted his head.
“The Know-Much is stronger,” Wolf declared, his tone cutting. “Wisdom is greater than your strength, Lion.” His words carried like an arrow, sharp and true.
The Lion’s eyes narrowed, a storm brewing within them. But before he could leap, Wolf spoke again, moving a short distance more. “And the Hang-Arms is stronger too!” he shouted, his voice echoing between the trees. “There are powers beyond your claws, beyond your teeth, beyond your roar.”
Lion’s fury erupted. His roar shook the ground, scattering birds from the trees. With anger like fire in his veins, he bounded after Wolf, teeth bared, claws ready to shred. The Wolf darted and twisted through the undergrowth, his slender body slipping where Lion’s bulk could not follow with ease. The chase thundered through the forest, snapping branches and scattering leaves.
But Wolf was quick, cunning, and always just out of reach. At last, Lion, consumed by rage yet unable to catch his enemy, halted. His chest heaved, his breath burned, and his pride lay wounded by truth. Wolf, panting but victorious, slipped into the shadows where Lion could not follow.
From that day forth, Lion and Wolf became bitter enemies. Lion, proud and unbending, could not forgive the insult, for Wolf had exposed his lie before the creatures of the forest. And Wolf, sly and sharp, carried no love for Lion, who had chased him with murderous intent. Their hatred, born of pride and honesty clashing like thunder and lightning, lingered through the ages.
Thus it is told: pride once boasted falsely, and truth revealed its weakness. And so, enmity was born.
Moral Lesson
This tale reminds us that pride, when left unchecked, blinds us to greater truths. Lion, mighty as he was, believed his power unmatched, forgetting that wisdom and other forces may surpass brute strength. Wolf, though small, proved that truth and cunning can wound pride more deeply than claws. The lesson endures: power alone does not make one supreme, for there will always be something greater, be it wisdom, knowledge, or unseen strength.
At the same time, it warns us that exposing another’s falsehood harshly may bring lasting enmity. Truth should be spoken with care, for words can divide as surely as they reveal.
Knowledge Check
Why did Lion boast at the beginning of the tale?
He wanted to declare his unmatched strength, claiming only Elephant Ngola ’Aniinii and Redant of Malemba were his equals.
Who overheard Lion’s boast and challenged him?
The Wolf, who was hiding in the thicket, overheard and confronted Lion.
What did Wolf say was stronger than Lion?
Wolf claimed that “The Know-Much” (wisdom) and “The Hang-Arms” were stronger.
Why did Lion become angry with Wolf?
Because Wolf exposed Lion’s lie and challenged his pride before others.
What was the outcome of Lion’s chase after Wolf?
Lion failed to catch Wolf, and the two became lifelong enemies.
What is the main lesson of the tale?
That pride can be humbled by truth, and wisdom often surpasses brute strength.
Source: Kimbundu folktale, Angola.
