The Rabbit Who Outwitted Numskull

In a wide forest of sal trees and flowering grass lived deer, wild oxen, boars, monkeys, rabbits and many other animals. Clear streams crossed the woodland, and every creature knew a path to food, water and shelter.

But the forest was not peaceful. A powerful lion named Numskull had made his den beneath a rocky hill. He was proud of his strength and chased every animal he saw, even when he was not hungry.

At last, the animals gathered beneath an old banyan tree.

“If Numskull continues this way, our forest will soon be empty,” said an elderly deer.

After much discussion, they approached the lion together. They asked him to stop chasing the whole forest. In return, one animal would come to his den each day, and the others could search for food without fear.

Numskull agreed, but he added a threat. “If my meal is late even once, I will hunt wherever I please.”

The animals disliked this bargain, but it gave them time to think of a better answer.

Many days passed. Then the rabbits' turn arrived.

Because rabbits were small, six of them were chosen. As they walked toward Numskull's hill, the smallest rabbit stopped beside a patch of ferns.

“Strength will not save us from Numskull,” he said, “but perhaps careful thinking will. Hide in the deep burrow near the fig tree until sunset. I will go on alone.”

The other rabbits were worried, but they trusted their friend's calm voice. They hurried to the safe burrow while the little rabbit continued very slowly.

He studied every part of the forest as he went. Near an abandoned garden, he found an old stone well. Its water was low, and broad ledges and thick tree roots lined its sides. When the rabbit peered over the rim, his reflection looked back at him. When he called softly, the well returned his voice as an echo.

An idea began to grow.

The sun was already sinking when the rabbit finally reached Numskull's den.

The hungry lion sprang to his feet. “You are late—and you are far too small! Tomorrow I will chase every animal in this forest.”

The rabbit bowed, but he did not tremble.

“Your Majesty, the delay was not our fault. Six rabbits set out for your den. On the way, another lion stopped us. He claimed that this forest belonged to him. He kept the other five rabbits and sent me to challenge you.”

Numskull's eyes widened. “Another lion dares to call himself king?”

“He said you were only pretending to rule,” continued the rabbit. “Then he hid inside his stone fortress.”

Numskull forgot his hunger. Pride filled every corner of his mind.

“Take me to him at once!” he roared.

The rabbit led Numskull along the forest path to the abandoned well.

“The other lion is hiding inside his fortress,” the rabbit whispered. “Please look carefully, Your Majesty. He may be waiting for you.”

Numskull stepped onto the stone rim and stared into the water. Far below, he saw a lion glaring back at him. He did not understand that it was his own reflection.

Numskull roared.

The well threw the roar back, deeper and louder.

“He is challenging me!” cried Numskull.

Before the rabbit could say another word, the proud lion leaped into the well. He splashed into the shallow water and landed safely on a broad stone ledge. He was not hurt, but the walls were too steep for him to climb in the darkness.

The rabbit looked down from the rim. “The enemy you saw was your own reflection,” he said. “Your anger defeated you before any rival could.”

The rabbit hurried back to the banyan tree. The five hidden rabbits came out of their burrow, and the forest animals cheered when they saw that all six were safe.

“Numskull is trapped for the night,” the rabbit explained. “We are free because we stopped letting fear make every choice for us.”

Inside the quiet well, Numskull had many hours to think. He remembered the animals bowing before him and realized that fear was not the same as respect. He also understood how easily his pride had led him into a trap.

At dawn, sunlight entered the well. Using the broad ledges and tangled roots, Numskull slowly climbed out. He was wet, tired and no longer boastful.

The animals watched from a safe distance. The little rabbit stood at the front.

“This forest has room for courage, fairness and true strength,” said the rabbit. “It has no room for needless cruelty.”

Numskull lowered his head. He knew the smallest animal in the forest had defeated him without a battle. He promised never again to hunt from pride or threaten the whole woodland. Then he left the rocky den and walked toward the distant open hills.

Life beneath the sal trees became peaceful again. The deer drank at the streams, monkeys played among the branches, and rabbits nibbled grass beside their burrows.

The animals never forgot the little rabbit whose careful eyes had noticed a well, whose steady mind had formed a plan, and whose courage had freed an entire forest.