Elephants and Hare short story for kids

Once upon a time, in a dense jungle, a mighty elephant lived among the other animals. He was strong but arrogant, often trampling over smaller creatures without care. Near the elephant’s home, a clever little hare lived peacefully.  

One day, the elephant stomped through the forest, crushing bushes, trees, and even the hare’s burrow. The hare was upset but knew that challenging the elephant directly wouldn't work. So, he came up with a clever plan.  

The hare approached the elephant and said, “Oh mighty elephant, I heard you are the strongest in the jungle. But have you ever faced the King of the River?”  

The elephant laughed and said, “Who dares to challenge me?”  

The hare pointed to the river and said, “Come with me tomorrow morning, and I will show you.”  

The next day, the elephant arrived at the riverbank. The hare told him to look into the water. When the elephant peered into the river, he saw his own reflection staring back at him.  

The hare whispered, “That is the King of the River, and he is stronger than you. If you challenge him, he will pull you in!”  

The elephant, seeing his own reflection mimicking his every move, grew nervous. He trumpeted loudly, but the reflection did the same. Thinking it was a powerful rival, the elephant panicked and ran away.  

The hare laughed quietly and said, “Even the mightiest can be fooled by their own pride.”  

From that day on, the elephant never disturbed the hare or his home again.  

Moral of the Story: Intelligence and wit can overcome brute strength.