Panchatantra stories

The Lion and The Hare

There was a time, the lion would go out hunting and kill whichever animal he could catch. The animals requested the lion not to wipe them out. They offered to send one animal every day at noon as meal to the king. The lion king agreed, and since then he had stopped hunting. His meal arrived at his cave every day at noon.

But not this day. The lion was getting impatient. His stomach was growling. He was getting angry too.

Just then, he spotted a rabbit approaching him.

“So, my food is late and so small! These animals need to be taught a lesson,” the lion thought. “But first let me fill my stomach,” he decided.

“How dare you arrive so late?” he growled at the hare.

“I’m sorry, My Lord. I would have reached here on time. But I was delayed by this new lion in the jungle,” the hare said.

The lion was shocked, “I command you to tell me all about this lion.”

“This lion wanted to gobble me up. But I told him that I was already on my way to meet you. The lion laughed at me. He said that a real king hunts his prey, and that I shouldn’t bow to a weak lion like you. His words, my Lord, not mine!”

“How dare this lion insult me. Take me to him this instant,” the lion said angrily.

“My Lord, the other lion also wanted to meet you. He spared my life so that I could deliver his message to you. He says he is the new King of the jungle.”
“Did he say so? Lead me to that imposter.”
“But my Lord, I wouldn’t suggest going after him. He is strong, and he lives in a fortress.”
“Ha! I wouldn’t expect a puny hare to understand pride. No one in this jungle can challenge me and live. Just lead me to this fake king of the jungle.