Aesop | Greece
The Wild Donkey and The Lion
Powerful lion proposes alliance to wild donkey, fox, and wolf for shared food, but lion takes all portions, leaving others empty-handed.
Once upon a time in the deep forest, there was a powerful lion. The lion suggested an alliance to a wild donkey, a fox, and a wolf, with a promise of sharing a bounty of food. They agreed, eager to work together for an easier hunt.
One day, they were successful in their hunt, capturing a large deer. The donkey, with the strength to divide, split the deer into four equal parts. However, the lion stood with a stern gaze, saying, "I am the king of the jungle, the strongest of all, thus the first portion is mine."
The other animals nodded in silent agreement. The lion continued, "I am also the bravest, risking my life in the hunt, so I will take the second part." The animals glanced at each other, but nobody dared to challenge the lion.
The lion gestured to the third part, "This one is for my contribution to our alliance. As the one who suggested this, it should belong to me." Then, the lion turned to the last portion, "Any of you who desires the final part, step forward and take it."
However, knowing the consequences, none of the animals dared to claim it. The lion smiled and claimed the final portion. The donkey, the fox, and the wolf had teamed up with the lion hoping for an easy meal, but they were left with nothing.
