The Lion, the Camel, the Jackal and the Crow

In a dense jungle, a powerful lion named Madotkata ruled over all animals. He had three loyal companions—a leopard, a jackal, and a crow—who served him diligently.

One day, while roaming the jungle, they spotted a camel grazing peacefully. The lion, having never seen such a creature before, was intrigued. "Let us approach this unusual animal and learn about him," he said.

The crow, who had traveled far and wide, quickly informed the lion, "Master, this is a camel. He hails from the villages, and his flesh is said to be quite delicious. Let us hunt him for a feast."

However, the lion shook his head. "This camel is a guest in our jungle. It would be wrong to harm him. Instead, bring him to me so that I may speak with him."

Following the lion's command, the crow and jackal reassured the camel of his safety and led him to the lion. The camel bowed respectfully and explained, "I have lost my way and strayed from my caravan. I do not know how to return to my home."

Hearing this, the lion replied, "Returning to the village means a life of burden for you. Instead, stay here in my kingdom, where you will be safe and have plenty of grass to eat."

Grateful for the lion's generosity, the camel chose to stay and lived peacefully among the jungle animals.

Some time later, the lion was severely wounded in a battle with a fierce elephant. Unable to hunt, he grew weak, and his loyal attendants also suffered from hunger.

One day, the lion gathered them and said, "I am too weak to hunt. If you can find a prey that even in my current state I can catch, I will be able to feed myself and all of you."

The jackal and the others searched the jungle but found no suitable prey. As they returned, the jackal whispered to the crow, "Why should we continue this fruitless search when we have food right in front of us? The camel would be enough for all of us."

"But the master has given him his word of protection," the crow objected.

"Leave it to me," the jackal said confidently. "I will persuade the master to agree."

The jackal approached the lion and spoke slyly, "Master, we have searched the jungle but found no prey. We are all on the brink of starvation. If we do not eat soon, we may not survive. The camel, whom you have so kindly sheltered, can sustain us all. If he willingly offers himself, it would not be a sin."

The lion hesitated but, weakened by hunger, nodded. "Do as you think is best."

The jackal then addressed the animals, "Our master is weak and starving. If he perishes, we will all be defenseless. It is only right that one of us offers himself as a sacrifice."

One by one, the crow, the jackal, and the leopard stepped forward, each dramatically offering themselves, only to be refused by the lion.

Observing this, the camel thought, "Everyone is making noble gestures, yet the lion does not harm them. If I make a similar offer, I too will be spared."

He stepped forward and proclaimed, "Master, my friends are all carnivores and unfit for you to eat. Allow me to offer myself instead. Please accept my sacrifice so that you may regain your strength."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than the other animals cheered. The lion, already swayed by the jackal, leaped upon the camel and killed him. Together, they feasted, betraying the trust of their once-protected companion.

Moral of the Story:

Never trust the wicked, for their sweet words often hide deceit.