A lion lived in the wilderness of the forest, he lived and did not know that, in addition to forest inhabitants, there were many different living creatures. And then one day he left his settled and familiar land and went to wander through distant lands. He walked and walked and came to a place from where it was half a day’s walk to human habitation. And suddenly an unknown animal came out to meet Lev - small itself, but similar in habit and appearance to him.
- Who are you? - Lev was surprised. - It seems like our lion clan, only very small in comparison with us.
“I really am your relative.” “Lion,” answered the little animal. “But I don’t live in the forest, not in the wild, but with a person.” I am a cat.
- Cat? - Lev was surprised. “I’ve never heard of you in my life.” Who did you say you live with? Repeat.
- In front of a person.
- Who else is this?
- My guardian and master. He is stronger than all the animals in the world.
- Show it to me.
- Well, let's go to the village.
They walked and walked and after a while they came across a camel grazing. The Lion looks: the beast is standing - its legs are strong, its fur is shaggy, its appearance is arrogant, and its back is hunchbacked.
- Is this a person? - he asked the Cat.
- What you! Man is much stronger. This is a Camel, it is in the service of a man, carrying him and his luggage.
They move on. The Lion looks: another animal is nibbling the grass - its neck is proud, its legs are playful, its mane and tail are silky.
- Is this a person? he asked.
- No no! This is a Horse, he is also in the service of a person. A man puts a saddle on his back, sits astride and rides where he needs to go. And the horse obediently carries out any order of a person.
Leo became more curious than ever: what does he look like, this man who is served by such strong and beautiful animals? He and the Cat move on. Then they come across another animal - somewhat similar to the Horse, although shorter in stature, apparently hardy and patient. His skin is gray, his ears are long and erect.
- This is definitely a person! - Leo exclaimed.
- Ha ha! The person is completely different. And this is one of man’s most obedient servants. This is Donkey. The man is not very kind to him: he loads him excessively and beats him with a stick, almost hitting him.
- Well, well! - Lev was surprised. - It turns out that man treats animals cruelly. I’ll take revenge on him as soon as I meet him! Let's move on, Cat.
The closer to human habitation, the more often our travelers came across a variety of animals - a Buffalo, a Cow, a Goat, and a Sheep. The cat patiently explained to Lev who they were and what benefit they had to humans.
“The man doesn’t look strong at all,” the Cat explained to her companion, “but one can cope with a whole herd of such animals.” And so that you can definitely distinguish a person from other creatures, remember: he is short in stature and walks on two legs.
Then a Chicken jumped out right in front of the Lion’s nose.
- Yeah! - he cried. - Here he is, a man - a torturer of animals! Now I'll get even with him!
- Stop, stop! - the Cat held him back. “It’s just a Chicken.” Humans eat eggs and meat. That's why he raises these stupid birds. If he wants, he can slaughter at least a hundred chickens.
- What a villain! - Lev flared up. - I won’t let him get away with this!
Just as they were approaching the village, they suddenly saw a man who was just cutting down a tree.
- Is this him? - Lev asked the Cat.
- He, he is the one.
The king of beasts roared, his mane stood on end.
- Watch out, man! - he cried. “I’ll break you with one paw!” How dare you abuse animals! Don’t you know that they are all under my protection?! Come face to face with me, let's fight!
“I agree, Lev,” the man calmly answered. “But how can I fight you if I left my strength at home?” We humans don’t always carry it with us so that it doesn’t get worn out ahead of time. Now, of course, you will defeat me, but what will the animals say about you! Why did you attack the powerless?
“Go home for your strength and come back quickly,” Leo agreed.
- And in the meantime, I suppose you’ll sneak away!
- No no! What should I be afraid of?
“So that I don’t have any doubts, let me tie you to this tree.” And as soon as I return with my strength, we will fight.
Lev agreed without further ado. The man took a strong rope and tied poor Leo to the tree in such a way that it took his breath away.
- Come on, now taste my power! - the man shouted and swung his stick.
The man beat Leo with a stick for a long time, but did not beat him to death - let him walk around the forest for a while longer.
Do you understand what this fairy tale is about? About the fact that a savvy and intelligent person is stronger than any strongman.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru