The Lion and the Mouse
The Tortoise and the Hare The Hen That Laid the Golden Eggs The Ant and the Dove The Greedy Man See more Aesop →

The Lion and the Mouse

Aesop

6 min read Aesop Ages 3–5
The Lion and the Mouse

A great lion catches a tiny mouse but lets her go free -- and later needs her help in return.

Once upon a time, there was a great, majestic lion who lived deep in the jungle. All the animals feared him because he was strong and could roar so loudly that the trees shook. One day, after eating a big meal, the lion lay down under a shady tree to rest.

While he slept, a little mouse came running by. She was so busy playing that she didn't notice the lion and ran right across his paw. The lion woke up with a roar and caught the mouse in his great, powerful paw.

"Who dares disturb my sleep?" the lion asked in a deep, threatening voice.

"Please, don't eat me!" squeaked the mouse, trembling with fear. "If you set me free, I promise to help you one day!"

The lion laughed so loudly that the echo could be heard throughout the jungle.

"Help me? What could a tiny mouse like you do for a big, mighty lion like me?"

But the lion thought the mouse was so small and brave that he decided to let her go.

"Go, little one. I'm not hungry right now. But remember, you owe me a favor!" he said, laughing again.

A few days later, the lion was walking through the jungle in search of food. Without noticing, he walked straight into a trap set by hunters. A strong net fell and caught him. The lion roared and tried to tear the net apart, but it was too strong.

The mouse, who was nearby, heard the lion's desperate roars and ran to see what had happened. When she saw the lion caught in the net, she called out:

"Don't be afraid, I'll help you!"

With her tiny, sharp teeth, the mouse began to gnaw at the ropes. It took time, but the mouse was patient and worked hard. At last she gnawed through enough rope for the lion to break free.

"You saved me!" said the lion, astonished. "I was wrong to laugh at you. Even a small mouse can do great things!"

From that day on, the lion and the mouse became best friends, and they both learned that friendship and help can come from the most unexpected places.

The Moral of the Story

The Lion and the Mouse

No one is too small to make a difference. Be kind to everyone, for even the smallest can help with the greatest challenges.

— A free adaptation of an original fable by Aesop.

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