The Warrior and the Lion's Debt

A Samburu moran was hunting and came across a great Lion with its paw caught in a hunter's snare. The Lion was in great pain. The warrior, showing no fear, approached the Lion and spoke to it respectfully. "Grandfather," he said, "I see you are in trouble. I will free you, and in return, we will have a pact of peace." The Lion, understanding, nodded its head. The warrior cut the snare and freed the Lion. Some years later, the same warrior was ambushed by enemies and was about to be killed. Suddenly, a huge Lion leaped from the bushes and attacked the warrior's enemies, scattering them and saving his life. It was the same Lion, who had never forgotten its debt. The story reinforces the moran ideal of courage and respect for powerful adversaries. It also teaches that a noble act, even towards a predator, creates a debt of honor that will be repaid.