Story Summary
Read the classic Panchatantra tale, The Lion and the Rabbit. Discover how a clever rabbit uses his wit to defeat a fierce lion and save the forest animals today.
In a vast jungle, there lived a fierce lion named Bhasuraka who killed animals indiscriminately. To save their kind, the forest animals struck a deal: one animal would go to him daily as prey. One day, it was a tiny rabbit's turn. The rabbit arrived late, infuriating the hungry lion. When questioned, the rabbit claimed another lion had stopped him, claiming to be the true king of the forest. Outraged, Bhasuraka demanded to see this rival. The rabbit led him to a deep well and told him the rival lived inside. The lion looked down, saw his own reflection, and heard his roar echo back. Mistaking it for a real enemy, he leaped into the well and drowned, freeing the jungle from his tyranny.
The Moral
Wisdom and wit are far superior to physical strength and brute force.
“Knowledge is power, but wit is the weapon that slays the giants.”
Fun Fact
The Panchatantra, which contains this story, was translated into over 50 languages across the globe by the year 1600, significantly influencing world literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Lion and the Rabbit?
The moral is that intelligence is more powerful than physical strength. Even a small creature can defeat a giant enemy if they use their brain and remain calm under pressure.
Where does the story of The Lion and the Rabbit come from?
This story originates from the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables in Sanskrit verse and prose. It is thousands of years old.
How did the rabbit trick the lion?
The rabbit used the lion's own arrogance and anger against him by showing him his own reflection in a well. The lion mistook his reflection for a rival and jumped in to attack.
Why did the rabbit arrive late to the lion's den?
The rabbit arrived late intentionally to make the lion extremely hungry and irritable. This state of mind made the lion less likely to think clearly and more likely to fall for the trick.
What was the lion's name in the original fable?
In many traditional versions of the Panchatantra, the lion is named Bhasuraka, which highlights his majestic but terrifying nature as the self-proclaimed king.
What life lesson can children learn from this story?
Children learn that they should not be intimidated by those who are bigger or stronger. It teaches the value of critical thinking and staying calm when facing a bully.