The Lion and the Clever Jackal

The Hungry King

Rugare, the mighty lion, was growing old. His once-powerful legs no longer carried him swiftly, and his hunting skills were failing. For days, he had gone without food, his stomach growling in frustration.

One evening, as the golden sun dipped below the horizon, Rugare stood atop a hill, surveying the land. He had been chasing an antelope all day, but it had eluded him. His hunger made him irritable, and his patience was wearing thin.

"Why should I, the king of the jungle, struggle for food?" Rugare growled. "The other animals should serve me!"

As he brooded over his dilemma, he spotted a jackal trotting through the tall grass. Tichafa carried a plump rabbit in his jaws, his eyes darting around cautiously.

A sly smile formed on the lion's face. "Tichafa!" he called. "Come here, my friend!"

Tichafa, knowing the lion's reputation, hesitated. But he was no fool. He had survived this long by outsmarting those who sought to harm him. Slowly, he approached, keeping a safe distance.

"Yes, mighty king?" Tichafa said, bowing slightly.

"You are a great hunter," Rugare said smoothly. "Surely, you can help your king. If you bring me food, I will reward you generously."

Tichafa tilted his head, pretending to consider the offer. "Ah, my king, I would gladly serve you. But first, we must consult the spirits. If they disapprove, disaster will follow."

Rugare, though powerful, was also superstitious. "How do we ask them?"

Tichafa grinned. "Follow me, my king. I will take you to them."

The Trap of the Hollow Tree

Under the full moon's light, Tichafa led Rugare deep into the jungle, where an ancient tree stood. It was massive and hollow, its interior forming a dark cavern.

"The spirits live inside this tree," Tichafa said, touching the bark with reverence. "To seek their guidance, you must enter and wait in silence."

Rugare, eager for a quick solution to his hunger, stepped into the hollow trunk. The opening was just big enough for his large frame to squeeze through, but once inside, he could not turn around.

Tichafa smirked. "Now, great king, the spirits demand a test of patience. You must remain inside until dawn."

"Very well," Rugare grumbled.

As soon as the lion was inside, Tichafa rolled a large rock over the entrance, sealing him in. Then, with a chuckle, he trotted away.

The next morning, Rugare roared in fury, but no one came to his aid. Eventually, some passing animals heard his cries and freed him. Humiliated, Rugare vowed to catch the clever jackal.

The Thorny Pit

Determined to capture Tichafa, Rugare ordered all the animals to report any sighting of the jackal. But Tichafa, always thinking ahead, remained one step ahead.

One day, while Tichafa was drinking at the river, he heard heavy footsteps approaching. Rugare was closing in.

Thinking quickly, the jackal spotted an old hunting trap—a deep pit lined with sharp thorns. He had seen careless animals fall into it before.

Just before Rugare reached him, Tichafa turned and faced the lion.

"Mighty king," he said, panting. "You have caught me. But before you punish me, let me offer you a gift."

"A gift?" Rugare narrowed his eyes.

"Yes! There is a treasure hidden in that pit," Tichafa said. "Gold and diamonds, left by ancient warriors."

The lion's greed overpowered his caution. He walked toward the pit, and Tichafa pretended to examine the ground.

"Right there, my king!"

Rugare took a step forward—then another. Suddenly, the ground gave way beneath his weight, and he tumbled into the pit. The sharp thorns pierced his skin, and he roared in pain.

Tichafa laughed. "Oh dear, mighty king! The treasure is not gold, but wisdom—never trust a jackal!" And with that, he ran away.

The Lion's Revenge

Despite his wounds, Rugare did not give up. He spent days tracking the jackal, his anger growing with each failed attempt.

One morning, Tichafa was resting under a baobab tree when he saw Rugare approaching. This time, the lion moved slowly, his eyes half-closed as if in pain.

"Dear Tichafa," Rugare said weakly. "You have tricked me many times, but I now see your wisdom. I do not wish to harm you. Instead, I wish to learn from you."

Tichafa raised an eyebrow. "Truly?"

"Yes," Rugare said. "I shall make you my advisor. But first, let us feast. There is a fresh carcass near the river. Come, and we shall eat together."

The jackal, ever cautious, suspected a trick. But he also saw an opportunity.

As they walked toward the river, a large dead buffalo lay near the water’s edge. But before Rugare could attack, Tichafa yelped loudly.

"Oh no!" the jackal cried. "The spirits are watching!"

Rugare hesitated. "The spirits?"

"Yes!" Tichafa said. "They will punish you if you harm me. But if you let me go, they will bless you with strength once more."

The lion, still superstitious, stepped back. In that moment, Tichafa darted away, vanishing into the forest.

Epilogue: The Wisdom of the Jackal

From that day on, Rugare never saw Tichafa again. The lion remained a feared ruler, but he never underestimated the jackal.

Tichafa, on the other hand, continued to outwit the strongest of beasts. His tale spread throughout Zimbabwe, a reminder that strength alone is not enough—wit is the greatest power of all.

And so, the legend of the lion and the clever jackal lived on, whispered from generation to generation beneath the vast African sky.