The Brave Sheep
By Abdou Abdallah
My grandfather told me a tale of wild sheep that once lived in peace and security among green meadows and ever-flowing streams. This continued until an oppressive lion settled in the thicket, terrifying the flock and spoiling their prosperous life. Whenever the lion roared, the flock trembled with panic and fear. To ward off his injustice and gain his favor, the sheep began to offer one of their own as a sacrifice. One day, the lot fell upon a certain sheep to be presented to the lion as his lunch. However, this sheep refused to sacrifice himself or comply with the clan's command. He was a youth, full of vigor and vitality. It seemed he was a bit smarter than his brothers, or perhaps more courageous—or maybe he simply refused a certain death.
The lion sent for the poor sheep, demanding he be brought at once. When the gentle sheep stood before the lion, the beast asked, "Why did you disobey my command, little lamb?" The sheep answered while looking at the lion, whose obesity and fatness were clearly visible in his form. He said: "I have one condition, O lion. If you wish to eat me for your lunch, you must catch me first—if you can."
The lion flew into a rage and let out a roar before all the animals, who were looking at the sheep with great pity and wonder. But when he prepared to pounce on the sheep, the lion could not budge from his spot. His obesity hindered his movement, and laziness had dulled his agility, for he had grown used to eating sheep without exerting any mentionable effort. He no longer chased gazelles or even ran after a wounded rabbit; he had always been satisfied with his ready-made meals.
The sheep leaped high, revealing the lion’s weakness and frailty to everyone. The brave sheep returned to his clan, and shortly after, he received a letter of congratulations from the elephant.