The Lion and the Wolf

The Lion and the Wolf

One day the Lion was walking along a broad path. The sun was already high, warm wind rustled the grass, and birds were calling somewhere in the bushes. The Lion walked slowly and with great importance. He liked everyone to notice his powerful paws, his thick mane, and his confident stride. At last he stopped in the middle of the path, looked around, and said loudly, “In all the world, there is no one stronger than I am!” He paused as though waiting for applause, then added, “Well, perhaps my friend the Elephant. He truly is mighty. And the little Red Ant of Malemba—she is tiny, but she has remarkable strength. But everyone else? No, no one can equal me!” In the thick bushes nearby sat the Wolf. He had heard every word. The Wolf poked his muzzle out from behind the leaves. “Do not be so quick, Lion,” he said. “You have forgotten something.” The Lion turned his head in surprise. “Forgotten? I?” “Yes,” said the Wolf. “There is someone stronger than you.” The Lion frowned. “And who might that be?” The Wolf answered calmly, “The one who knows much.” The Lion blinked. He had expected the name of some enormous animal, and instead he had heard a strange answer. “What kind of strength is that?” he muttered. The Wolf did not argue. He only smiled a little and added, “And someone who can work skilfully with their hands may prove stronger still.” Now the Lion was truly angry. “What are you saying?” he roared. “Are you trying to make me sound like a boaster?” “I am only saying that strength alone is not everything,” replied the Wolf. “Wisdom, skill, and experience can sometimes do what even the strongest paws cannot.” The Lion lashed his tail. He did not like anyone daring to challenge his loud claim. “Stay where you are!” he thundered, and sprang toward the bushes. But the Wolf had already darted onto the path and run ahead. The Lion raced after him. The Wolf twisted between trees, slipped through bushes, and jumped over roots. The Lion did not fall far behind, but soon he understood that he was wasting his strength. The Wolf knew every turn, every narrow path, and every easy gap in the undergrowth. At last the Lion stopped. He breathed heavily and glared toward the place where the Wolf had disappeared. From a safe distance, the Wolf turned back once more. He did not laugh at the Lion or tease him. He simply said, “You see? A strong one has strength. But a wise one knows that strength comes in many forms.” Then he went on his way. The Lion said nothing. Since that day, the old tale says, the Lion and the Wolf were not especially fond of meeting. The Lion remembered how the Wolf had uncovered his boastful words, and the Wolf knew well that truth can be hard to hear for someone who is used to thinking himself the best. But in the forest, people repeated a simple thought for a long time: great strength deserves respect, yet it does not make anyone stronger than everyone else. One creature is helped by might, another by wisdom, another by experience, and another by knowing how to find the right path at the right time.

May this story leave a little light in your heart ✨