The Gazelle's Sacrifice

A Lion, the king of the forest, grew old and could no longer hunt. He lay in his cave, groaning in hunger. Seeing this, the other animals were filled with fear, for a hungry lion was a danger to them all. They held a council to decide what to do. The Hyena suggested they abandon that part of the forest, but the others knew the old Lion would simply follow. Finally, the graceful Gazelle stepped forward. "I will go to the Lion," she said. "It is better that one of us dies to save the many." The other animals were awed by her bravery. The Gazelle went to the Lion's cave. "Great King," she said, "I have come to offer myself as food, so that your hunger may be eased and the rest of us may live in peace." The Lion was deeply moved by the Gazelle's courage and selfless act. He looked at her noble heart and felt shame for his own predatory nature. "Such bravery should not be punished by death," the Lion declared. "Your sacrifice has satisfied my hunger more than any meal could. From this day forward, I will not harm you or your family." And so, the Gazelle's courage saved not only the other animals from a desperate king, but also saved herself by appealing to the honour, not the hunger, of the predator.