Once upon a time, an old lion wandered through the forest, limping and singing proudly to himself. He roared about his strength and dominance, claiming there was no creature mightier than him. As he strutted along, he encountered an old bear, missing a leg from a previous encounter with humans. The bear warned the lion that humans were far stronger, ten or even a hundred times mightier than any forest creature. Curious and proud, the lion demanded to meet this human and was told to go to the open plains to see them clearly. Excited, he dashed out of the forest, eager to challenge this unknown power.
On his way, the lion met a horse grazing by a tree, its neck bound by a rope. When the lion demanded an explanation, the horse calmly said that humans had tied the rope but were currently gathering firewood. The lion realized humans might be powerful and not creatures to underestimate. Further along, he saw a cart loaded with firewood and two massive oxen. The oxen explained that humans would soon hitch them to the cart and ride while directing them. At that moment, the lion understood that humans commanded the strongest creatures in the land, far beyond the power of any animal in the forest.
The lion followed the humans behind some trees, unaware that the forest worker had prepared a hidden pit trap, camouflaged with branches. The lion, proud and roaring, confronted the worker, demanding a contest of strength. The worker agreed but suggested a test of long jump first. With careful precision, the worker jumped to the edge of the pit, marking the distance. When the lion leaped, overconfident and unprepared, he fell directly into the camouflaged pit lined with spikes. Trapped and helpless, the lion realized that brute strength alone could not save him. The worker then used a sharpened bamboo spear to subdue the lion and pulled him out of the pit, taking his magnificent hide. This hide would later become a symbolic coat, representing the worker’s cleverness and triumph over raw power.
This story teaches a clear lesson: cunning and strategy can triumph over brute strength, and overconfidence often leads to downfall. Strength may dominate the forest, but intelligence, careful planning, and patience decide the true victor.