There lived a mighty tiger in one forest. For many years he hunted and struck fear into all the animals in the area. But years passed, the tiger grew old and could no longer go hunting every day, as before.
He called all the animals and told them this:
“I am old, but my claws and teeth are still strong.” And if anyone dares to disobey me, he will not be happy! So: every day one of you will come to me, and I will eat him.
The animals were saddened, but agreed. And every morning the tiger had a hearty breakfast. There was a cry in the forest: every day there were fewer animals.
At that time, there lived one hare in the same forest. She watched, watched the animals die resignedly, and decided to teach the tiger a lesson. The animals only laughed when she told them about it.
- Where are you going? After all, tomorrow you have to go to the tiger yourself. It’s better to pray before you die.
The hare did not answer, turned and went into her hole. The time has come to go to the tiger, but she doesn’t go. The tiger became furious. For the first time ever I was left without food!
The next morning came. The hare got ready to go to the tiger and walked away slowly. She comes to the tiger, and he menacingly asks her:
- Despicable creature! Why didn't you come yesterday? You left me hungry!
- O almighty tiger! Yesterday I walked to you, as you ordered, but here’s the problem: another tiger came towards me, just as powerful and strong as you. He grabbed me and didn’t let me go the whole day. “It’s okay,” he said, “your lousy cowardly tiger can manage without food!” Only now have I managed to escape from him...
The tiger became even more furious, jumped up from his bed and growled:
- Where is this impudent braggart, show him to me!
- Yes, it’s not far from here, O Almighty. He lives in a well.
- Take me there, quickly! I'll deal with him quickly!
The hare led the tiger. They approached the well, and the hare said:
- He's lurking downstairs!
A tiger looked into the well and saw another tiger looking at him and baring his fangs. The tiger became completely furious, jumped into the well and drowned.
So sometimes even a hare can outsmart a tiger!
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru