The Four Cows and the Lion

In a beautiful green valley surrounded by tall mountains, there lived four cow friends. One was brown, one was black, one was white, and one was spotted. They were the best of friends.

They did everything together. They grazed in the meadow together, drank from the stream together, and slept under the same big shade tree. Because they were always united, they were safe. Whenever a leopard or a wolf tried to attack them, the four cows would form a tight circle, tails in and horns out, and chase the predator away.

Even the mighty Lion, the King of the Forest, was afraid of them. “I can defeat one cow,” he grumbled, “but four of them together is too dangerous.”

The Lion watched them for days, waiting for a chance. Finally, he came up with a cunning plan. “If I cannot defeat them with strength,” he thought, “I will defeat them with lies.”

One afternoon, while the cows were resting, the Lion crept up to the Spotted Cow who was standing a little apart. “Hello, beautiful friend,” whispered the Lion. “I just wanted to warn you. The White Cow and the Brown Cow were whispering today. They said they are going to eat all the sweet clover and leave only the dry grass for you.”

The Spotted Cow was hurt. “Really?” she asked. “I thought we were friends.”

The next day, the Lion went to the White Cow. “Did you know,” he lied, “that the Black Cow told me you are the slowest runner? She laughs at you behind your back.”

The Lion planted seeds of doubt and jealousy in each of their hearts. Soon, the four friends started arguing. “You are selfish!” said one. “You are mean!” said another. “I don’t need you!” shouted the third.

Angry and foolish, they decided to split up. The Brown Cow went to the east, the Black Cow went to the west, the White Cow went to the north, and the Spotted Cow went to the south.

The Lion smiled. His time had come.

He found the Spotted Cow grazing alone near the rocks. He roared loudly and chased her. The poor cow looked around for her friends, but they were miles away. She had to run for her life! She scrambled up a steep hill, panting and terrified, and barely managed to hide in a thorny thicket where the Lion couldn’t reach her.

The next day, the Lion chased the White Cow. She ran through the river, slipping and sliding, her heart pounding with fear. She narrowly escaped by joining a herd of wild buffaloes who protected her.

One by one, the cows realized their mistake. They were weak alone. They were terrified. They missed their friends.

A few days later, they met by chance at the big shade tree. They were trembling, scratched, and exhausted. They looked at each other with tears in their eyes. “I am sorry,” said the Spotted Cow. “I was foolish to believe the Lion.” “I am sorry too,” said the Black Cow. “We are only safe when we are together.”

They hugged each other and promised never to fight again. When the Lion came back, expecting an easy meal, he found the four friends standing shoulder to shoulder, their horns lowered and ready.

The Lion took one look at their united front and walked away, knowing he had lost.

Moral of the Story: United we stand, divided we fall. Friendship is our greatest shield.

Moral of the Story: United we stand, divided we fall.