Deep inside a great forest lived a lion who frightened every creature around him. He was powerful, impatient and always hungry. When he went hunting, he did not stop after catching what he needed. Deer fled at the sound of his roar, monkeys disappeared into the highest branches, and even the largest animals tried to stay out of his way.
The animals knew they could not live like this forever. So one day, they gathered together and came up with a terrible but clever bargain. They went to the lion and promised that one animal would come to him each day as his meal. In return, the lion must stop hunting through the forest and leave everyone else alone.
The lion agreed. And so, day after day, one unfortunate animal made the lonely journey to the lion's den.
Then came the little rabbit's turn.
The rabbit knew there was no point pretending he could fight the lion. He could not outrun him either. But as he made his way through the forest, he began to think. He thought for so long that he arrived very late.
The lion was furious. He demanded to know why the rabbit had kept him waiting.
The rabbit explained that he had set out much earlier, but another lion had stopped him on the way. This other lion, the rabbit said, claimed that he was the true king of the forest.
The lion's hunger was suddenly forgotten. Another lion? In his forest? He demanded to be taken to him.
The rabbit led the angry lion through the trees until they reached an old stone well. He crept towards the edge and pointed down. The lion looked into the dark water. Far below, another lion stared straight back at him.
The lion growled. The lion in the well growled too. He bared his teeth. So did his rival. Finally, the lion let out his loudest roar. The sound travelled down the well and came thundering back at him.
That was enough. With an enormous leap, the lion jumped into the well to attack his enemy. There was a tremendous splash. Then silence.
The little rabbit peered carefully over the edge. There had never been another lion in the well. The angry lion had been fighting his own reflection.
The rabbit hurried home. When the animals saw him returning alone, they could hardly believe it. The smallest creature in the forest had defeated the animal everyone feared. Not because he had suddenly become stronger. Because when strength could not save him, he had stopped to think.
