Story | The Clever Rabbit And The Elephant

Once upon a time, there was a group of elephants who lived in a forest. They ate leaves from the trees and drank water from a stream that flowed through the forest. But one year, there was a drought in the area where the forest was located. Many animals left the forest to find places with enough water and food. The leader of the elephants, who was named Human, was worried about his herd. He took good care of them and wanted to find water for them. So, he sent his brothers to search for water.

After searching for a long time, the brothers found a lake at the far end of the forest. They decided to go there every morning to quench their thirst and take baths. So, every day, the elephants would go to the lake. On their way, they would pass by a group of rabbits, but they didn't pay much attention to them. Because of this, some rabbits would get hurt or even killed. As the number of rabbits became fewer, their leader called a meeting.

The leader rabbit spoke to the other rabbits and said, "My dear brothers and sisters, we all know that the elephants are unknowingly harming us every day. We need to find a way to protect ourselves." There was a young and smart rabbit named Rabb who had an idea. He said, "Sir, don't worry. I can go as a messenger and ask the elephants to change the path they take to the lake."

With the leader's permission, Rabb went as a messenger. When he saw the elephant herd approaching, he climbed on top of a tall rock to keep himself safe. When Human, the leader of the elephants, came near, Rabb spoke to him. He said, "Respected sir, I am Rabb, a messenger from the Moon himself. The mighty Moon has sent me to deliver a private message to you. Please step aside."

When Human came closer, Rabb continued, "The lake where you go to drink and bathe actually belongs to the Moon. He is very upset because you have been hurting many rabbits on the way. As we are close friends and guides of the Moon, our sad situation has made him angry and saddened. He wishes to speak to you privately. If you would be kind enough to follow me, I will take you to the Moon's lake for a meeting."

Human agreed to the meeting, and together they reached the lake. The Moon was reflected in the calm water of the lake. Human wanted to greet the Moon, so he dipped his trunk in the water. As he did that, the water stirred and the Moon's reflection also moved. Rabb said, "Oh! Look how the mighty Moon shakes in anger."

Confused, Human asked, "Why is the Moon angry?"

Rabb replied, "You have made the Moon even angrier by touching the holy water of the lake at night."

Hearing this, Human said sadly, "Please ask the Moon to forgive us. We promise never to come to this lake again, and we will never harm the rabbits, who are loved by the Moon."

And so, Human left with a promise never to visit the Moon's lake again. The rabbits lived safely and happily ever after.

Moral of the story: Sometimes telling a lie that saves many lives is more valuable than telling the truth.