In ancient times, the spacious forests of Himavant were divided into western and eastern parts by a small lake. And in that lake lived a wise, very wise Frog.
The sovereign ruler of eastern Himavant was the formidable but fair Leo. He never crossed the borders of neighboring possessions and demanded the same from his subjects. Western Himavant was completely ruled by the Elephant, who also strictly ensured that his subjects did not violate the borders of the neighboring kingdom. So they lived well and amicably for many years in a row.
But one day the Elephant happened to inspect his possessions, and they seemed to him not extensive enough, and then the Elephant decided to annex the Leo’s possessions to them. He consulted with his entourage and set out on a campaign. And when the Elephant reached the lake, the Frog saw him and asked in surprise:
-What happened? What has brought you, Elephant, to places you have never been before?
“I’m going to war against Leo, I want to seize his possessions.”
- Don't do this, Elephant. Why do you need his possessions? Nothing good will come of this, you will certainly fail!
- It’s none of your business, Frog! You still can't stop me!
“Of course, it’s difficult for me to reason with you, but I just ask you to stop by and see me on your way back.”
“Okay,” said the Elephant and moved on.
How long, how short, did the Elephant finally reach the domain of the Lion.
- What did you come with? – asked the formidable Leo. And the Elephant answered him:
“I intend to fight you.” Let's agree right away: if you win, I'll die. And if I happen to emerge victorious, then death is yours!
The Lion and the Elephant began to fight. The resourceful and agile Leo deftly avoided the blows of the clumsy Elephant. Now the Elephant is completely exhausted, but the Leo is, as usual, safe and sound. The Lion and the Elephant tried to defeat each other for a long time, and finally the loud roar of the Lion announced his victory.
The defeat sobered up the bully Elephant, and he bitterly regretted his stupid idea.
“My friend,” he began to moan, turning to Lev, “I am rightly punished for my bragging.” I ask you one thing: postpone the execution for seven days. I have a wife and children left at home, I would like to say goodbye to them. And in seven days I will appear before you.
The Lion took pity on the Elephant and sent him home.
The Elephant went home. On the way, he looked at the Frog and frankly told her about everything that had happened to him.
The Frog began to reproach him:
“Didn’t I warn you?” Houses and trees help, so you should never go into other people’s possessions with evil intent,” and, looking at the Elephant, she slyly added: “Now you’ll die of fear.”
“Today I won’t die, but in seven days my certain end will come - I will be executed by order of Leo.”
The Frog took pity on the Elephant and said:
- That's it, Elephant. You go home, gather all your subjects and order them to dig a huge hole. Let this hole be half filled with liquid mud, and you stand in the middle - no Lion is afraid of you.
The Elephant listened to the Frog's advice and did everything exactly as she ordered.
Seven days have passed. The Lion waits and waits for the Elephant, but he is still not there.
“Oh, that’s what he is,” Lev was furious. “I won’t let him get away with this.” Now I will go to war against him.
The Lion went to war against the Elephant, and his path ran past the lake. The Frog saw the Lion and hurried to meet him.
-What brings you here? - asks. “Don’t you know that it is inappropriate to appear as an uninvited guest in someone else’s possession?”
Leo told her his concern. And the Frog answered him:
– You, Leo, are strong and brave only in your home. Don't go to the west - you won't see any good there!
But the Lion did not listen to the Frog and moved on. And the curious Frog jumped after the Lion. The Frog sees, the Lion approached the hole where the Elephant was hiding, and began to roar, so loudly that the leaves fell from the trees. But you can’t defeat an Elephant just by shouting! Then the Lion, like mad, began to rush around the pit. He ran around and around and decided to take a running start and jump right on the Elephant’s head. And he jumped... But he just missed and landed in the very mud. Where can we think about revenge? Don't drown yourself!
And the Frog rejoiced:
- How stupid you are! I told you that you need to live well, in peace and harmony. You didn’t listen to me - well, it serves you right!
Then the Frog ordered the Elephant to help the Lion get out of the hole, and the three friends lived peacefully and happily again.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru