The Lion and the Ox (Kalila and Dimna collection)

Once upon a time, in a vast jungle teeming with life, a mighty lion named Shere roamed as the undisputed king. His golden mane glistened under the sun, and his powerful roar echoed through the dense foliage, instilling fear and respect among all creatures. Shere ruled with a combination of strength and wisdom, ensuring balance and order in his realm.

One fateful day, as Shere prowled through the forest, he encountered a jackal named Kalila. Kalila was a cunning and opportunistic creature, always looking for ways to elevate his own status. He had noticed the lion's growing arrogance and sought to exploit it for his gain.

"Greetings, O mighty king," Kalila said, bowing low before Shere. "I bring news that could benefit your majesty greatly."

Shere, intrigued by the jackal's words, paused and asked, "Speak, Kalila. What news do you bring?"

Kalila, with a glint of deceit in his eyes, began his tale. "In the heart of the jungle, there resides an ox named Dimna. He is no ordinary ox, but a beast of immense strength and cunning. He speaks ill of you, claiming he could easily overpower you and take your place as the ruler of this jungle."

Shere's eyes narrowed with anger. "An ox dares to challenge me? This cannot be tolerated. Where can I find this insolent creature?"

Kalila feigned concern and replied, "Follow me, my lord. I will lead you to Dimna. But beware, for he is crafty and might try to deceive you."

With that, Shere and Kalila set off through the dense forest, moving swiftly and silently. After a while, they reached a secluded part of the jungle where Dimna grazed peacefully. Unaware of the impending danger, Dimna lifted his head and saw the approaching lion and jackal.

Kalila stepped forward and addressed Dimna, his voice dripping with malice. "Dimna, the time has come for you to face your fate. Our king, Shere, has come to teach you a lesson for your insolence."

Dimna, bewildered and frightened, tried to protest. "I have done nothing wrong. I do not seek conflict with the lion."

But Shere, his mind clouded with rage, roared fiercely and charged at Dimna. The ground trembled beneath his powerful strides. Dimna, though strong, was no match for the lion's fury. In a swift and brutal attack, Shere overpowered the ox and killed him.

As Shere stood over Dimna's lifeless body, Kalila smirked to himself. The cunning jackal had successfully manipulated the lion into eliminating a potential rival. Now, with Dimna gone, Kalila saw an opportunity to further his own influence.

Days turned into weeks, and Shere's actions began to have unforeseen consequences. The other animals, witnessing the lion's growing tyranny, started to lose respect for their king. The balance of the jungle was disrupted, and unrest spread among the creatures.

Kalila, sensing the lion's isolation, approached Shere once more. "O great king," he said, "it seems that the jungle is in turmoil. The other animals are unhappy with your rule."

Shere, feeling the weight of his actions, looked troubled. "What should I do, Kalila? How can I restore order?"

Kalila, ever the opportunist, offered his advice. "You must show the creatures of the jungle that you are still a wise and just ruler. Hold a grand feast and invite all the animals. Let them see that you care for their well-being."

Shere, desperate to regain the respect of his subjects, agreed to the jackal's suggestion. Preparations for the feast began, and word spread throughout the jungle. On the day of the feast, animals of all kinds gathered to witness the event.

As the feast commenced, Shere addressed the assembly. "My friends," he began, "I have called you here today to show my gratitude and to remind you that I am here to protect and serve you."

The animals listened, but the shadow of Dimna's death loomed over the gathering. Murmurs of dissent could be heard among the crowd. Sensing the tension, Kalila stepped forward once again.

"O noble creatures," he proclaimed, "let us not dwell on the past. Our king has recognized his mistakes and seeks to make amends. Let us join together in unity and rebuild the harmony of our jungle."

The feast continued, but the seeds of doubt had already been sown. The animals ate and drank, but their trust in Shere had been irreparably damaged. The lion, once a symbol of strength and wisdom, was now seen as a tyrant manipulated by a cunning jackal.

As the sun set and the animals began to disperse, Shere retreated to his den, troubled and weary. He realized too late that he had been deceived by Kalila and that his actions had led to his downfall.

Kalila, on the other hand, reveled in his success. He had not only eliminated a potential rival but had also weakened the lion's position. The jungle, once a place of balance and order, was now a realm of uncertainty and fear.

And so, the tale of Shere, the lion, and Dimna, the ox, serves as a cautionary story of how arrogance and manipulation can lead to one's downfall. The once mighty lion learned the hard way that true strength lies not in brute force but in wisdom, justice, and the respect of those one rules.

The jungle continued to thrive, but the memory of Shere's actions lingered, a reminder to all creatures that trust and integrity are the cornerstones of leadership. And Kalila, ever the opportunist, watched from the shadows, ready to exploit the next opportunity that came his way.