Why the Zebra Has Stripes

Originally, the Zebra had a plain, white coat, like a dusty horse. He was a proud and arrogant creature. A great Lion was the king of the savanna, and all the animals respected him, except the Zebra. The Zebra challenged the Lion for the kingship. "Your strength is nothing," the Zebra boasted. "My speed is greater." They decided on a contest. They would stand on opposite sides of the Lion's great campfire. The one who could endure the heat the longest would be king. The Lion, his power coming from the sun, stood close to the fire and was unbothered by the heat. The Zebra, who was not used to the fire's power, began to feel his skin scorch. But his pride was so great that he refused to move. He stood there until the black scorch marks from the shadows of the firewood were permanently burned onto his white coat. Finally, in agony, he had to flee. He lost the contest and was marked for life by his foolish pride. His stripes are a permanent reminder of his challenge to the rightful king.