Aesop | Greece
A Lion and A Bear
A lion and bear fought over a goat, exhausting themselves, and a fox took advantage, leaving them with regret.
Once upon a time, in a thick forest, a mighty lion and a strong bear spotted a tiny kid goat at the same time. They both wanted it, and neither would back down. With fierce roars and thundering growls, they clashed, their strength evenly matched. The poor goat lay between them, forgotten in their struggle.
They fought for hours, their strength weakening, until they were too tired to continue. They collapsed, panting heavily, their bodies covered in scratches, while the kid goat still safe and untouched between them.
Just then, a crafty fox who had been watching the scene from a safe distance saw an opportunity. He darted in, snatched the unguarded kid goat, and raced away before either the lion or bear could react.
The lion and bear, too exhausted to chase the fox, watched him disappear into the forest. They glanced at each other and realized the folly of their fight. Despite all their strength, their rivalry had only benefited the sly fox. All they were left with were their wounds and a shared sense of regret.
