The Rabbits and the Elephants: A Story About Thinking Smart. Fables from the Indian Hitopadesha

The Rabbits and the Elephants

There wasn't enough rain, and a group of thirsty Elephants were desperate for water. The only place with water was a burrow filled with Rabbit homes! The Elephants were so big, they were accidentally crushing the Rabbits!

One clever Rabbit named Vijaya had a plan. He knew he couldn't fight the Elephants, so he pretended to be a special messenger from the moon god!

Vijaya told the Elephant leader that the Rabbits were the moon god's guards, and the Elephants were being naughty by crushing them. The scared Elephant leader believed him!

Vijaya even tricked the Elephant leader into bowing to his reflection in the water, pretending it was the moon god! The Elephants promised never to bother the Rabbits again.

This story teaches us that even the smallest creature can be strong if they use their brain. Sometimes, being smart is better than being big and strong!