Traditional
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The Wise Goat and the Wolf

A wise goat outsmarts cunning wolves who try to trick her, eventually scaring them away with the threat of powerful friends.
Wisdom
Deception
Survival
Jataka Tales - The Wise Goat and the Wolf
Audio available for B1 version

In a far-off land, nestled on a hillside, lived a herd of wild goats. Not far away, a cunning wolf and his wife made their home. They loved the taste of goat meat and often feasted on the unsuspecting goats. But there was one wise goat who always outwitted them, no matter how many traps they laid.

One day, the wolf devised a plan. “Pretend I'm no more and tell the wise goat that you need help. She'll feel sorry for you and when she comes near, I'll catch her,” he said to his wife.

So the she-wolf visited the wise goat and shared her sorrowful story. The wise goat, however, was cautious. “You have hurt my kin and friends. I fear for my safety around you,” she said. “Fear not! I'm in mourning and won't harm any creature for a week,” the wolf replied. Reluctantly, the wise goat agreed to accompany her, but she insisted the wolf walked ahead.

The wolf, who had been pretending to be no more, grew impatient and hungry. He lifted his head to see if his wife was returning with the goat. Spotting the movement, the wise goat bolted back to her cave.

“Why did you raise your head? We almost had her,” the she-wolf scolded. The wolf couldn't answer. “I'll try once more to bring her to our home,” the wolf said.

The she-wolf went to the wise goat's cave and spun a new tale. “Your arrival brought my husband back to life. He's now healthy. Let's be friends and enjoy our time together,” she said.

But the wise goat knew better. “I'm glad to hear the good news. Let's share it with everyone. I'll bring some of my friends to your home. We can all enjoy together,” she said.

“Who are your friends?” the wolf asked, unaware of who she was about to invite. “I'll bring two dogs, and a big bulldog. They will bring their friends too,” said the wise goat.

Hearing this, the wolf was terrified. She ran back to her cave and told her husband about the goat's ferocious friends. The wolf couple, scared of meeting such formidable foes, ran away, never to return. The wise goat lived peacefully, having outsmarted the cunning wolves.

In a corner of the world so tucked away even fairy godmothers couldn’t find it on their magic GPS, there was this hillside. Yeah, like, THE hillside—Glastonbury for goats! These goats were living the dream, chomping on the juiciest grass, and sharing the latest gossip. You get the vibe.

But hold your goats! There was a wolf couple living nearby who thought of these goats as a walking buffet. "Mmm, goats! Like takeaway, but you have to catch it yourself," the wolf said to his wife.

Ah, but there was one goat that was a bit too brainy for these scheming wolves, dodging their traps like they were playground games. This goat could've been a detective if she had opposable thumbs, seriously.

One day, the wolf was like, "Alright, let’s switch it up. You know, new season, new tricks! Pretend I’ve kicked the bucket, vanished, poof! Then you put on your best sad face and go ask Miss Clever Clogs for help. When she gets close—SNACK TIME!"

So, the she-wolf turned on the waterworks, went up to our brainy goat and was like, "Woe is me, I'm alone in the world now. Wanna help a gal out?"

The goat stared and said, "Hmmm, you want ME to help YOU? Have you tried not eating goats for a change?”

"Promise, no munching on goats for a week. Pinky swear," said the she-wolf.

"Alright, but you're leading the way, and no funny business!" said the goat.

Back in their hideout, the wolf couldn’t contain his excitement. He peeked his head out, checking for his dinner date. But the brainy goat caught on. "Oh, mate! You blew it!"

The wolf's face was a mix of guilt and hunger. "I got antsy; can we have a do-over?"

She-wolf tried one more time. "My hubby's back! Must be your good vibes. Let’s celebrate!"

The goat chuckled, "Awesome! How about we make it a party? My friends will flip when they hear about this!"

Curious and greedy, the she-wolf asked, "Who are you bringing?"

"A couple of big dogs! And they're the life of any party!" said the goat.

Hearing this, the wolves had an "Oh, snap!" moment. They packed their bags faster than you can say "fairy tale" and hit the road.

As for the brainy goat, she just winked at her dog pals and went back to her goat squad. "Well, that takes care of that, doesn’t it? Anyone up for a game of ‘King of the Hill?’"

And so, the hillside was forever a wolf-free zone, and everyone got to live happily and wisely ever after.

On a hillside, wild goats did play,
While wolves nearby sought them as prey.
But among the goats, there was one so sly,
She'd dodge the wolves, every time they'd try.

"Let's trick her," the wolf whispered one day,
"Pretend I'm gone, she'll come our way."
So the she-wolf went, with tears in her eye,
Saying, "Oh wise goat, please don't be shy."

But the wise goat paused, her trust quite thin,
"You've harmed my friends, where do I begin?"
"Fear not," said the she-wolf, her voice so sleek,
"I won't harm a soul, for at least a week."

But as they walked, a movement so slight,
Gave the wise goat quite the fright.
She saw the wolf, his disguise a ruse,
And back to her cave, she quickly did cruise.

The wolves tried again, a new story to spin,
Of health and happiness, and a life free of sin.
But the wise goat laughed, a plan in her mind,
"I've friends to invite, of a special kind."

"Dogs and bulldogs, they love to play,
With their mighty bark, they'll keep wolves at bay."
The she-wolf's heart raced, her fear took flight,
To their dark cave, the wolves ran that night.

And from that day on, with her wit so fine,
The wise goat kept her herd in line.
For wisdom and wit, can keep danger at bay,
And that's how the goats lived, day by day.

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Understanding Questions

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think the Wise Goat was cautious around the she-wolf, even when she asked for help?
  2. How did the Wise Goat's clever actions save her from the wolf's trap?
  3. Can you think of a time when you or someone else had to be smart or cautious to stay safe?
  4. What does this story teach us about the importance of using wisdom and thinking before trusting someone?
  5. How can we use the lessons from this story in our own lives to ensure we make good decisions about who we trust?

Fable Quotes

Wisdom is the shield that protects us from the cunning of others.
The dance of deception is complicated, but wisdom knows the steps.
Survival isn't always about strength, sometimes it's about being clever.
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