The king elephant and the wise hare

The king elephant and the wise hare

The king elephant and the wise hare - Panchatantra Story

Moral of the story: From intelligence, one can overcome even the biggest problem.

A long time ago, the Great King of elephants ruled over the forest near the river. Along with the king, there was a huge group of elephants resided there. Close to the river, they would eat, play, and rest. Fruit trees and the surrounding area’s lush green grass provided food for the elephants. During his rule once the river became dry as there was no rainfall. So, all the elephants came to the king for help. They said, “Oh! Our Lord! There is no water left in the river. Our infants are facing hunger, they would all die without water. The Elephant King said please don’t worry. I am your king. And so, it is my duty to take care of all your needs. You will never again have to live without water. I know of a hidden lake that is always full of water. Let’s go there.

The king elephant and the wise hare - Panchatantra-Tales

While the elephants march towards the lake, they crushed upon hundreds of Hares that had been living there for years. Hundreds of them died and thousands were hurt. The Hares were concerned.

One of them said, elephants are so giant and heavy. We are like tiny. They will continue to crush us every day while going to the lake for water as they can’t even see us. If we don’t do something quickly, we will all be killed. We have to find a way to stop them from coming to the lake.

The king elephant and the wise hare - Panchatantra-Tales - 2

The problem is they are very thirsty and they will not listen to our request. A smart Hare came up with a clever plan. And that night he went to the Elephant King. He had to be very careful to ensure that the king don’t became angry. They could all be killed.

So, he bowed down to the king with great respect and said the Moon God has sent me Your Majesty. This lake belongs to him and he has forbidden all of you from drinking water from it.

But where is your Lord the moon? Asked the surprise king. The Hare took the elephant king to the lake and showing the reflection of the moon in the lake said here he is the Moon God. Can you see him? The Elephant King looked down in the lake and replied humbly. Yes, I can see.

Move quietly and salute him otherwise he may get very angry and great harm could come to you and your relatives, said the hare.

The king elephant and the wise hare - Panchatantra-Tales - 3

Trusting the hare, the Elephant King saluted the reflection and left gently. The elephants never came back to the lake again and the hares lived happily in their homes.

Moral of the story, the king elephant and the wise Hare: From intelligence, one can overcome even the biggest problem.

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