The wolf as Governor and the Donkey
A clever and eloquent Wolf becomes the leader, proposes sharing food, but the Donkey exposes his hidden selfishness, surprising the Wolves.
Audio available for B1 version
Long ago, the Wolves had a meeting. They needed to choose a leader from their pack. They chose a Wolf who was known for being smart and speaking well. This Wolf was a bit tricky, but his words were so smooth that no one really noticed.
Soon after becoming the leader, this Wolf called all the Wolves together. He said, "I want to talk about something very important. It's something that will help us all. We need to be less selfish. When we hunt, we should share what we catch with any hungry Wolf."
Just as he finished his speech, a Donkey, who had been listening nearby, spoke up. "What a wonderful idea!" said the Donkey. "I’m sure you'll be the first to share your food. Maybe you could start with the fat Sheep you hid in your den yesterday."
This showed the truth behind the Wolf’s words, surprising all the Wolves who had believed him.
Once upon a time, in a forest that seemed to be having an identity crisis, the Wolves decided they needed to do something big. They wanted to choose the coolest, most awesome leader for their wolf pack.
A gathering was called, and it was as grand as the annual Forest Ball. There was even a makeshift stage made of logs and vines, and rumor had it there would be a dance-off later.
One Wolf, with fur as slick as if he'd just stepped out of a hair commercial, strutted forward. “Listen up, my furry friends!“ he exclaimed, voice dripping with charm. “I've had a revolutionary thought. Let's start a new trend: Sharing! When we get food, we don't just gobble it all up – no! We share with our buddies. It's the chic thing to do."
A wave of impressed murmurs went through the crowd. Some younger wolves tried to start an applause, but it mostly sounded like rapid-fire paw-tapping.
But just as the charming Wolf was basking in his apparent success, the forest's resident comedian, the Donkey, who'd been sneakily eavesdropping behind a tree, decided to have his say. Popping his head out, he said, “Absolutely smashing idea, mate! By the way, speaking of sharing, how about that super fluffy Sheep you sneakily hid in your den? Fancy sharing that with the group?"
Suddenly, there was pin-drop silence. You could even hear a squirrel drop its acorn in shock. The slick Wolf's jaw dropped, and he seemed to have lost his silky smooth words. The other Wolves exchanged surprised glances. The Donkey, meanwhile, just grinned cheekily, looking very pleased with his revelation.
And thus, amidst the drama and popcorn, the Wolves learned an important lesson: It's easy to say nice things, but actions speak louder than words! Now, that's where true character shows!
Gathered were Wolves, one bright sunny day,
To choose a new leader to show them the way.
They picked one quite clever, with words oh so sleek,
His speeches were smooth, and his tactics unique.
This leader stood tall, and with confidence said,
“Let's share all our food, and make sure all are fed.
When hunting, let's promise to give and not take,
Share with every hungry Wolf, for unity's sake."
But an Donkey, standing close, with a chuckle and jest,
Decided to put this new leader to test.
"A great idea!" the Donkey did declare,
"But what about that Sheep, hiding in your lair?"
The Wolves gasped in shock, their trust was misplaced,
For the truth of the leader was now clearly faced.
With eloquence and charm, he'd tried to deceive,
But the Donkey's sharp words made all Wolves believe.
Word Finder
Leader
The one who guides and helps others.Pack
A group of animals that live together.Smooth
Soft and nice, without roughness or bumps.Selfish
Only thinking about yourself, not sharing.Hunt
To search for animals to catch or eat.Catch
To grab or get something that's moving.Speech
Words spoken in front of other people.Den
A home where some animals rest or sleep.Nearby
Close, not far from where you are.Surprising
Making you feel something unexpected happened.
Identity
Who someone or something really is or seems to be.Crisis
A time of great danger or difficulty.Murmurs
Soft, quiet voices or whispers, heard in a group.Gathering
A group of people or animals coming together.Makeshift
Temporary and quickly made with what’s available.Strutted
Walked proudly in a confident way.Revolutionary
Causing great change or a new idea.Chic
Stylish, fashionable, and elegant.Eavesdropping
Listening secretly to others’ conversation.Cheekily
Acting in a playful, impudent, or disrespectful way.
Gathered
Came together in one place for something.Clever
Smart and quick at understanding things.Sleek
Smooth, shiny, and elegant in appearance.Speeches
Talks given to a group of people.Tactics
Plans to achieve a goal or win.Confidence
Feeling sure of yourself and your abilities.Promise
A serious vow to do something.Chuckle
A quiet laugh, usually because of something funny.Declare
To say something clearly and with confidence.Eloquence
Speaking in a way that is beautiful and clear.
Understanding Questions
- Why did the Wolves choose the tricky Wolf as their leader?
- Because he was strong.
- Because he was clever.
- Because he was popular.
- Because he was the oldest.
- What did the new leader suggest the Wolves should do when they hunt?
- To hunt alone.
- To use teamwork.
- To be quiet.
- To wait for the prey.
- Who was listening to the Wolf’s speech and spoke up afterward?
- A Sheep.
- A Donkey.
- A Fox.
- A Lion.
- What did the Donkey say about the Wolf’s hidden Sheep?
- They were safe.
- They were lost.
- They were in danger.
- They were hungry.
- How did the Wolves feel after hearing what the Donkey said?
- Happy.
- Confused.
- Angry.
- Curious.
- Why did the Wolves choose the tricky Wolf as their leader?
- What did the new leader suggest the Wolves should do when they hunt?
- Who was listening to the Wolf’s speech and spoke up afterward?
- What did the Donkey say about the Wolf’s hidden Sheep?
- How did the Wolves feel after hearing what the Donkey said?
- Why did the Wolves choose the tricky Wolf as their leader?
- What did the new leader suggest the Wolves should do when they hunt?
- Who was listening to the Wolf’s speech and spoke up afterward?
- What did the Donkey say about the Wolf’s hidden Sheep?
- How did the Wolves feel after hearing what the Donkey said?
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think the Wolf was chosen as the leader of the Wolves?
- How did the Wolf plan to make things better for the group according to his speech?
- What did the Donkey reveal about the Wolf's true nature, and how do you think it made the other Wolves feel?
- What does this story teach us about honesty and hypocrisy?
- Can you think of a time when actions were more important than words, similar to this story?
Fable Quotes
A leader is not one who shares the spoils, but one who bears the responsibility.
Deceit, like a shadow, can never stand in the light of truth.
Trust misplaced brings revealing truths, exposing the hidden intentions of those who weave deceitful words.