Aesop
|
Greece

The Hares and The Lions

Hares sought equality with Lions but lacked means to defend themselves, realizing the need to be prepared to uphold their wishes.
Preparedness
Equality
Courage
Aesop's Fables - The Hares and The Lions
Audio available for B1 version

Once upon a time, in a vast forest lived a large group of Hares. They were tired of always living in fear, always running and hiding. One day, they gathered their courage and decided to approach the mighty Lions.

With heads held high, the Hares stood before the king of the forest and said, "We wish to live in harmony and peace. We want to be seen as equals, not as food."

The Lions, known for their power and ferocity, listened patiently. When the Hares finished, the Lions replied with a smile. "We hear your words, little Hares. They are noble and fair. Yet, what if danger comes, what will you do? We have sharp claws and strong teeth to protect ourselves and our territory. What do you have?"

The Hares paused. They looked at each other, puzzled. They realized they had no answer. They were asking for equality, but they weren't ready to defend their words or protect their rights. Their courage seemed to vanish, and they quietly returned to their burrows, understanding that to be equals, they needed not only to voice their wishes but also be prepared to stand up for them.

Once upon a time, in a big forest, there lived many Hares. They were always scared, running and hiding from danger. One day, they decided they had enough. They wanted to live without fear. So, they went to see the Lions, the kings of the forest.

The Hares stood bravely in front of the Lions and said, "We want to live peacefully and be treated as equals. We don't want to be seen as food anymore."

The Lions, strong and mighty, listened to the Hares carefully. After the Hares spoke, the Lions answered with a smile, "We understand your wish, little Hares. It’s a good and fair request. But what will you do if danger comes? We have sharp claws and strong teeth to protect ourselves. What about you?"

The Hares stopped and looked at each other. They didn't know what to say. They wanted equality but realized they weren't prepared to defend themselves or their rights. Feeling less brave, they quietly went back to their homes in the ground.

In a big forest, there are many hares. The hares are always afraid. They run and hide from danger every day.

One day, the hares are tired of being afraid. They want to live without fear. They decide to talk to the lions. The lions are the kings of the forest.

The hares say to the lions, "We want to live in peace. We do not want to be food."

The lions listen to the hares. They are big and strong. The lions say, "We understand. But what will you do if danger comes? We have claws and teeth. What about you?"

The hares look at each other. They do not know what to say. They want to be safe, but they are not strong like the lions. The hares feel afraid again. They go back to their homes.

The hares know they need to find another way to be safe.

Once upon a time, in a big forest, there lived many Hares. They were always scared, running and hiding from danger. One day, they decided they had enough. They wanted to live without fear. So, they went to see the Lions, the kings of the forest.

The Hares stood bravely in front of the Lions and said, "We want to live peacefully and be treated as equals. We don't want to be seen as food anymore."

The Lions, strong and mighty, listened to the Hares carefully. After the Hares spoke, the Lions answered with a smile, "We understand your wish, little Hares. It’s a good and fair request. But what will you do if danger comes? We have sharp claws and strong teeth to protect ourselves. What about you?"

The Hares stopped and looked at each other. They didn't know what to say. They wanted equality but realized they weren't prepared to defend themselves or their rights. Feeling less brave, they quietly went back to their homes in the ground.

Once upon a time in the ultimate natural playground—a forest—the Hares were, let's just say, always on alert. Living like they're always in a game of hide-and-seek, but they're always 'it.'

One day, they gather enough courage, like someone deciding to go down a big slide for the first time. "Alright, friends, let's go talk to the Lions, okay? Time to stop playing 'Run away!' and start playing 'Let's be friends!'"

So off they go, ears sticking up like they're wearing invisible crowns, right up to the mighty Lions. "Hi, your Majesties of Big Teeth and Loud Roars, how about we all get along, huh? No more chasing, unless it's for fun!"

The Lions, looking as important as your favorite superhero, listen closely. "Hmm," they say after a little pause, "we hear what you're saying. But what if something scary happens? We've got claws and teeth that could be in an action movie. What do you guys have for the action scenes?"

That's when the Hares go silent, like someone just hit the pause button on them. They look at each other like they've been asked a really tough riddle. "Um, good point, your Royal Furriness," they mumble.

"Yeah," say the Lions, "if you want to be friends, you've got to bring something to the friendship, you know? Just being cute and fluffy doesn't make you a superhero!"

So, ears drooping a little but smarter for it, the Hares scamper back to their burrows. They realize that if they want to be treated equally, they've got to be ready for everything. No more just asking for an easy life, they've got to be prepared.

In a forest deep and wide,
Lived Hares with fear they couldn’t hide.
Always running, always in scare,
They wished for a life that was fair.

One day, with courage in their heart,
To the mighty Lions, they did impart:
“We seek peace and harmony true,
To be seen as equals, just like you.”

The Lions, with manes of gold,
Listened to the story the Hares told.
“We hear you, Hares, so brave and small,
But if danger nears, who would you call?

With teeth and claws, fierce and bright,
Lions asked Hares about their might:
"What strength do you hold, to stand so tall?
How do you rise, lest you fall?"

The Hares paused, their thoughts did twine,
Seeking an answer, a hopeful sign.
In silence, they knew their plea was incomplete,
Words without action can face defeat.

To be equals, in sunshine or rain,
One must be ready for joy and pain.
Bold and true, without ado,
Strength and courage will push them through.

Share
Feedback

Word Finder

  1. Hares

    Fast animals with long ears and legs.

  2. Scared

    Feeling afraid or frightened of something.

  3. Danger

    A situation that can cause harm or injury.

  4. Peacefully

    In a calm and quiet way without any fights.

  5. Equals

    People or animals having the same status or rights.

  6. Mighty

    Very strong and powerful in appearance or action.

  7. Request

    A formal way to ask for something politely.

  8. Sharp

    Having a very thin edge that can cut easily.

  9. Defend

    To protect something from harm or danger.

  10. Realized

    To become aware of something as a fact.

Understanding Questions

  1. Why did the Hares decide to go and talk to the Lions?
  2. What request did the Hares make to the Lions?
  3. How did the Lions react to the Hares' request?
  4. Why did the Hares feel less brave after talking to the Lions?
  5. What did the Hares realize about themselves when the Lions asked how they would protect themselves?

Word Finder

  1. Forest

    A big place with many trees.

  2. Afraid

    Feeling scared or not safe.

  3. Danger

    Something that can hurt you.

  4. Decide

    To choose what to do.

  5. Kings

    The leaders who rule everything.

  6. Peace

    A time when there is no fighting.

  7. Listen

    To hear and pay attention.

  8. Claws

    Sharp nails on animals' feet.

  9. Teeth

    Hard parts in the mouth for biting.

  10. Safe

    Not in danger, feeling protected.

  1. Hares

    Fast animals with long ears and legs.

  2. Scared

    Feeling afraid or frightened of something.

  3. Danger

    A situation that can cause harm or injury.

  4. Peacefully

    In a calm and quiet way without any fights.

  5. Equals

    People or animals having the same status or rights.

  6. Mighty

    Very strong and powerful in appearance or action.

  7. Request

    A formal way to ask for something politely.

  8. Sharp

    Having a very thin edge that can cut easily.

  9. Defend

    To protect something from harm or danger.

  10. Realized

    To become aware of something as a fact.

Understanding Questions

  1. Where do the hares live?

    1. In a city
    2. In a big forest
    3. In a river
    4. In a house
  2. What are the hares always afraid of?

    1. Being alone
    2. Running fast
    3. Danger
    4. Eating
  3. Who do the hares decide to talk to?

    1. The birds
    2. The lions
    3. The bears
    4. The snakes
  4. What do the hares want from the lions?

    1. Food
    2. To live in peace
    3. New homes
    4. Games to play
  5. What do the hares decide to do after talking to the lions?

    1. Find another way to be safe
    2. Stay with the lions
    3. Move to another forest
    4. Play with the lions
  1. Why did the Hares decide to go and talk to the Lions?
  2. What request did the Hares make to the Lions?
  3. How did the Lions react to the Hares' request?
  4. Why did the Hares feel less brave after talking to the Lions?
  5. What did the Hares realize about themselves when the Lions asked how they would protect themselves?
  1. What prompted the hares to seek peace and equality in the forest?
  2. How did the hares express their desire for peaceful coexistence to the lions?
  3. What was the lions' main concern regarding the hares' request for equality?
  4. How did the hares react to the lions' question about self-defense?
  5. What was the ultimate outcome of the hares' attempt to live without fear?

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think the Hares wanted to be seen as equals by the Lions?
  2. What made the Hares realize that they weren't prepared to defend their words or protect their rights?
  3. Can you remember a time when you wanted something, but realized you weren't quite ready for it yet?
  4. What does this story teach us about the importance of being prepared and standing up for our rights?
  5. How can we use the lesson from this story in our daily life when we want to be treated equally?

Fable Quotes

Preparation is the bridge between ambition and reality.
Equality is more than a claim, it's a commitment to defend.
Without courage, dreams of equality remain just dreams.
About

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.