In the heart of a deep, whispering jungle, there lived a fierce lion who claimed to be the king of all creatures. He roared loud, hunted at will, and frightened every animal, big and small. No one felt safe.
One day, the animals gathered in secret under a shady tree. “We must stop this,” said the owl wisely. “Let’s make a deal with the lion.”
Together, they marched to the lion’s den.
“O mighty king,” the animals pleaded, “if you promise not to hunt us anymore, we’ll send one animal to you each day as a gift. That way, you won’t need to chase anyone.”
The lion licked his lips and agreed. “Fine! But if even one day passes without my meal, I’ll gobble all of you!”
So each day, one unfortunate animal was sent to the lion… until it was Hop the hare’s turn.
Now, Hop was clever—cleverer than most. She didn’t want to become dinner, so she came up with a brilliant plan.
She arrived at the lion’s den very late.
“You dare be late?” growled the lion.
“Oh mighty one, forgive me!” Hop squeaked. “I met another lion on the way here. He claimed he was the true jungle king and tried to eat me instead!”
The lion’s eyes flared. “Take me to him—now!”
Hop led him to a quiet well and pointed down. “There! He hides in that cave.”
The lion peered into the well, saw his reflection, and mistook it for the rival. With a roar, he leapt in—and SPLASH! That was the last anyone saw of the greedy beast.
The animals cheered for Hop, the cleverest little hero of the jungle, and peace returned to their forest forever.
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