The Foolhardy Jackal

Long time ago, in the heart of a deep, dense forest, a lion emerged from his cozy den. He had just eaten a big buffalo and was feeling satisfied. His belly full, he strolled to the lake for a refreshing drink.

On his way back, the lion bumped into a hungry jackal. The jackal was afraid but knew he couldn't escape, so he quickly lay down at the lion's feet.

"What do you want?" the lion asked in his deep, booming voice.

"O Mighty Lion," replied the jackal, "please allow me to serve you."

"Alright," said the lion, "if you serve me, I'll provide you with good food." The lion then trotted back to his den for a nap.

After his rest, the lion gave the jackal his first task. "Each day, climb the mountain top and look for any elephants, ponies, or buffaloes. If you see any, come back and say, 'Great Lion, awaken in your power. Food awaits us.' I will then hunt, we will both eat."

And so, day after day, the jackal would climb the mountain, spot a potential meal, and report back to the lion. The lion would then hunt the creature, and they would both feast on the spoils.

As time passed, the jackal grew larger and stronger, thanks to the bountiful food he was eating. He started feeling proud of his size and strength, and thought to himself, "Why am I relying on the lion's kill? I should hunt my own food. I'll bring down an elephant myself."

He went to the lion with his plan. "I want to hunt an elephant myself. Let me rest in the den while you spot the elephant. Then, call me out saying, 'Great Jackal, awaken in your power. Food awaits us.' I will then kill the elephant."

The lion tried to warn him, "Jackal, only lions can kill elephants. No jackal has ever killed an elephant. Eat what I hunt, and be content."

But the jackal was determined. So, the lion agreed, "Alright, have it your way."

The lion climbed the mountain and spotted an elephant. He returned to the den and called out, "Great Jackal, awaken in your power. Food awaits us."

Excited, the jackal sprinted out of the den and charged at the elephant. He jumped towards it, but his aim was off. He landed at the elephant's feet. The elephant lifted its foot and squashed the overconfident jackal.

Seeing this, the lion sighed and said, "You won't be hunting again, you foolhardy Jackal."