The Lion and the Camel

Deep in the jungle lived a majestic Lion named Madotkata. He had three followers: a Leopard, a Jackal, and a Crow. They followed the Lion everywhere, eating the leftovers of his meals. One day, a Camel who had separated from his caravan wandered into the forest. He was lost and frightened. The Lion saw the strange animal. “Who are you?” he roared. “I am a Camel, O King,” he said, bowing low. “I have lost my way.” The Lion was in a charitable mood. “Do not fear,” he said. “You can stay with us. No one will harm you under my protection.” The Camel was grateful. He grazed on the green grass and lived happily with the group.

However, a few weeks later, the Lion fought with a wild elephant and was badly injured. He could not hunt. He lay in his cave, weak and hungry. His followers—the Leopard, the Jackal, and the Crow—were also starving. They couldn’t hunt big prey on their own. They looked at the fat Camel. “Why should we starve when there is so much meat right here?” whispered the Wolf (Leopard). “But the Master promised to protect him,” said the Jackal. “Leave that to me,” said the cunning Crow. “I will trick the Lion.”

They went to the Lion. “Master, you are growing weak,” said the Crow. “You must eat to survive.” “I cannot hunt,” said the Lion weakly. “Then eat one of us,” said the Crow, winking at the others. The Crow stepped forward. “Eat me, Master!” “You are too small,” said the Lion. The Jackal stepped forward. “Eat me, Master!” “You are too clever, I might get indigestion,” said the Lion, shaking his head. The Leopard stepped forward. “Eat me!” “You are my fierce guard,” said the Lion.

The innocent Camel, seeing this loyalty, felt he should offer too. “Master,” he said successfully, “You have been kind to me. Please, eat me.” The Jackal and Leopard immediately prepared to pounce! “Yes! He offered!” shouted the Jackal.

But the Lion saw the gleam in their eyes. He realized it was a setup. He remembered his promise. But before the Lion could speak, the Camel saw the Jackal baring his teeth. The Camel realized, “Wait! They were acting! They want to destroy me!” Terrified, the Camel kicked his long legs. Thud! He kicked the Jackal away. “Treason!” yelled the Camel. “You are not loyal friends; you are hungry traitors!”

The Lion roared, a deep, angry sound that shook the cave. “Stop!” he commanded. He looked at his three ‘friends’ with disappointment. “I promised safety to this guest. And you tried to trick me into breaking my word?” The Lion stood up, ignoring his pain. “Get out! All of you! A King keeps his promises.”

The Jackal, Leopard, and Crow ran away in shame. The Lion turned to the trembling Camel. “Go,” he said gently. “My specific injuries make it unsafe for you here. Return to the humans.” The Camel bowed and ran back to the edge of the forest, where he found his caravan passing by. He was safe, and the Lion, though hungry, kept his honor.

Moral of the Story: A true leader keeps their promise. Beware of fake friends who plot behind your back.

Moral of the Story: Beware of wicked company. Never trust those who are known to be deceitful.