Aesop
|
Greece

The Lion and A Donkey

The Lion, a respected leader, ignored an Donkey's disrespectful behavior, teaching others that true strength lies in composure and dignity.
Strength
Respect
Wisdom
Featured in Fable Book
The Town Mouse and The Country Mouse
Audio available for B1 version

In a vast forest, the Lion, who held the position of leader, strolled peacefully one day. All the other animals, acknowledging his authority, respectfully made way for him. However, as the Lion pdonkeyed by the Donkey, the Donkey emitted a rude noise.

Initially, the Lion felt a surge of anger. He glanced back and noticed the Donkey, still chuckling at his own jest. Surprisingly, instead of engaging in a fight or retaliating with words, the Lion did something unexpected. He simply continued walking as if nothing had transpired.

Left bewildered, the Donkey stood there, unsure of what to do. He anticipated the Lion's wrath and a subsequent pursuit, yet the Lion remained pdonkeyive.

Observing this, the other animals comprehended the Lion's choice. They realized that the Lion didn't wish to waste his energy on the Donkey. They witnessed the Lion's ability to maintain composure and uphold his self-respect. This revelation taught them that genuine strength is not solely physical; it also lies in the capability to control anger and behave with dignity.

In a big, green forest, there was a Lion who was the leader of all the animals. One day, as the Lion was walking around, all the other animals moved out of his way because they respected him. But when the Lion walked past a silly Donkey, the Donkey made a loud, rude noise.

At first, the Lion felt very angry. He turned around and saw the Donkey laughing at his own joke. But instead of getting mad or yelling, the Lion did something surprising. He just kept walking as if nothing happened.

The Donkey was confused and didn't know what to do. He thought the Lion would get really mad and chase him, but the Lion didn't.

The other animals saw what the Lion did and understood his choice. They learned that the Lion didn't want to waste his time on the Donkey. They saw that the Lion was strong not just because he was big and powerful, but because he could stay calm and act with respect. This taught them that true strength is not just about being strong; it's also about controlling your anger and acting with dignity.

In a big, green forest, there was a Lion who was the leader of all the animals. One day, as the Lion was walking around, all the other animals moved out of his way because they respected him. But when the Lion walked past a silly Donkey, the Donkey made a loud, rude noise.

At first, the Lion felt very angry. He turned around and saw the Donkey laughing at his own joke. But instead of getting mad or yelling, the Lion did something surprising. He just kept walking as if nothing happened.

The Donkey was confused and didn't know what to do. He thought the Lion would get really mad and chase him, but the Lion didn't.

The other animals saw what the Lion did and understood his choice. They learned that the Lion didn't want to waste his time on the Donkey. They saw that the Lion was strong not just because he was big and powerful, but because he could stay calm and act with respect. This taught them that true strength is not just about being strong; it's also about controlling your anger and acting with dignity.

In a big ol' forest that was practically bursting with critters of all sorts, the Lion, who was basically the forest's CEO, was out for a leisurely strut. Birds chirped a tune like they were his personal Spotify playlist, squirrels scampered away like someone yelled "Free acorns!", and even the skunks... well, they tried their best to smell less skunky. Now, everyone moved out of Lion's way like he was a celebrity walking the red carpet. But then comes the Donkey. This cheeky fella decides it's the perfect moment to let out a noise that was, let's say, less than musical. Like, a tuba player falling down a flight of stairs kind of noise.

The Lion, he feels his mane get all hot and frazzled. He spins around and sees the Donkey, who's laughing so hard, he's practically braying his head off. And what does the Lion do? Something straight out of left field. He just keeps walking like he's got noise-cancelling paws or something.

The Donkey is flabbergasted, he's standing there, ears flopping in the wind, waiting for the drama to unfold. He was sure the Lion was going to put the 'roar' in 'retaliation.' But the Lion? Nope, he's as chill as a smoothie in a snowstorm. So, all the forest dwellers, they're watching this. They're like, "Wow, Lion just turned a 'donkey diss' into a 'don't care!'"

And so, it became the talk of the woodland water cooler, how the Lion didn't get his tail in a twist. He showed 'em all that being strong isn't just about having teeth and claws that could audition for a horror film. No siree, it's also about keeping your cool when someone else is acting the fool.

And that, kiddos, is what they call a lesson in "dignity with a capital ROAR!"

Deep within woods where shadows play,
The mighty Lion went on his way.
Every creature, big and small,
Stepped aside, respecting his call.

Amidst the hush, an Donkey did neigh,
Loud and bold, wanting to play.
With a smirk and eyes shining bright,
He thought the Lion might want to fight.

But the regal beast, wise and fine,
Didn't snap, roar, or give a sign.
With quiet grace, he chose to move,
Showing there's nothing he needed to prove.

The Donkey was puzzled, his laughter done,
Thinking a chase had surely begun.
But it never came, to his surprise,
The Lion's choice opened his eyes.

Through the trees, tales did fly,
Of the Lion's calm and the reason why.
For true strength isn't just in a roar,
But in patience, and not keeping score.

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Word Finder

  1. Leader:

    A person or animal who guides or commands others.

  2. Respected:

    Admired or valued by others for good reasons.

  3. Silly:

    Acting in a funny or foolish way, not serious.

  4. Rude:

    Not polite or showing bad manners towards others.

  5. Angry:

    Feeling mad or upset because of something.

  6. Surprising:

    Something unexpected that causes amazement or shock.

  7. Confused:

    Unable to understand or think clearly about something.

  8. Powerful:

    Having great strength or influence over others.

  9. Controlling:

    Managing or keeping your emotions or actions in check.

  10. Dignity:

    Acting in a way that shows self-respect and respect for others.

Understanding Questions

  1. Where did the story take place?
  2. How did the other animals react when the Lion walked by?
  3. What did the Donkey do when the Lion walked past him?
  4. How did the Lion respond to the Donkey's rude noise?
  5. What did the other animals learn from the Lion's reaction to the Donkey?
Word Finder
  1. Leader:

    A person or animal who guides or commands others.

  2. Respected:

    Admired or valued by others for good reasons.

  3. Silly:

    Acting in a funny or foolish way, not serious.

  4. Rude:

    Not polite or showing bad manners towards others.

  5. Angry:

    Feeling mad or upset because of something.

  6. Surprising:

    Something unexpected that causes amazement or shock.

  7. Confused:

    Unable to understand or think clearly about something.

  8. Powerful:

    Having great strength or influence over others.

  9. Controlling:

    Managing or keeping your emotions or actions in check.

  10. Dignity:

    Acting in a way that shows self-respect and respect for others.

Understanding Questions
  1. What did the Lion demonstrate to the other animals?

    1. Confidence
    2. Fear
    3. Rudeness
    4. Weakness
  2. How did the other animals feel about the Lion?

    1. Scared
    2. Indifferent
    3. Excited
    4. Curious
  3. What action did the Donkey take towards the Lion?

    1. Bow down
    2. Ignore him
    3. Make a noise
    4. Run away
  4. What did the Lion do when he heard the Donkey?

    1. Roared back
    2. Ignored him
    3. Ran away
    4. Chased him
  5. What lesson did the animals learn from the Lion?

    1. To be brave
    2. To follow the Donkey
    3. To avoid Lions
    4. To be rude
  1. Where did the story take place?
  2. How did the other animals react when the Lion walked by?
  3. What did the Donkey do when the Lion walked past him?
  4. How did the Lion respond to the Donkey's rude noise?
  5. What did the other animals learn from the Lion's reaction to the Donkey?
  1. What was the main theme of the story?
  2. How does the Lion symbolize power and respect?
  3. What could have happened if the Lion had reacted differently?
  4. In what ways did the characters represent different traits?
  5. What moral lesson can be derived from the story?
Reflection Questions
  1. How did the Lion react when the Donkey made a rude noise, and why do you think he reacted this way?
  2. If you were the Lion, how would you have reacted to the Donkey's behavior, and why?
  3. Can you remember a time when someone was rude to you and you chose not to respond?
  4. What does the Lion's response teach us about the strength in staying calm and maintaining dignity?
  5. How can we apply this lesson from the Lion's response to situations we face in our everyday life?
Fable Quotes
True strength is not just physical, but lies in the heart that can control anger and uphold respect.
Respect is a sign of strength, shown not by retaliation, but by maintaining dignity in the face of disrespect.
True wisdom lies in choosing battles wisely, preserving energy for what truly matters.
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