This timeless fable imparts valuable moral lessons while serving as a fantastic way to learn GRE vocabulary through Panchatantra stories. In this story, you’ll come across high-level GRE words in context, helping you deepen your understanding and retention of these terms. So, let’s explore the themes of wit and intelligence and simultaneously expand your GRE vocabulary through Panchatantra stories!
Once upon a time, in a lush (abundant) forest where the air was fragrant (aromatic) with the scent of wildflowers, there lived a fearsome (terrifying) lion. His majestic mane (hair, esp. on an animal’s neck) and imposing (impressive) stature (height, size) struck fear into the hearts of all who saw him. The lion, a creature of imperious (commanding) disposition (temperament, attitude), ruled the forest with an iron paw (strong, firm control). All the animals, great and small, quivered (trembled, shook) in trepidation (fear, anxiety) whenever his name was mentioned.
The lion, basking (relaxing) in the glory of his apex (peak) position, demanded that the animals bring him tribute (offering) in the form of food. His insatiable (unquenchable, never satisfied) hunger knew no bounds, and no creature dared to refuse his requests. As the weeks passed, the animals were forced into a cycle of submissive (obedient) compliance (conformity), offering themselves one by one to satisfy the lion’s voracious (insatiable) appetite.
Soon, the lion’s tyrannical (oppressive, dictatorial) rule began to take its toll (cause damage, harm) on the animal kingdom. The once-thriving forest began to feel the absence of its inhabitants. The deer, the rabbits, and even the smaller predators had all fallen prey to the lion’s ravenous (starving, greedy) hunger. The remaining creatures lived in constant fear, knowing that their turn would come soon enough.
However, amidst this grim (bleak, serious) atmosphere, there was one animal who refused to give in to despair. A hare, small in stature yet renowned (famous, well-known) for his sharp intellect, saw an opportunity. While the other animals were filled with anxiety and dread (fear, anxiety), the hare began to devise a plan that would leverage his quick thinking rather than brute (beastly, physical) strength.
The hare, known for his cogent (clear, convincing) reasoning and astute (clever, perceptive) observations, thought long and hard. He realized that if he could outwit (outsmart) the lion, he might be able to save himself and the other animals from the lion’s oppressive (harsh) rule. With a mind as sharp as his quick legs, he began to formulate a strategy that would require fortitude (strength, bravery) and careful timing.
Read the story about the monkey and the crocodile to further build your vocabulary
One day, it was the hare’s turn to go to the lion’s den. He did so not with the mournful (sorrowful) gait of a doomed animal, but with an air of quiet resolve (determination). Upon arriving, the lion greeted him with a low, rumbling growl. “You are late, little hare,” the lion boomed, his voice thundering (loud, booming) through the forest. “Have you come to offer yourself to me, or do you have an excuse?”
The hare, appearing submissive but secretly harboring (concealing) his plan, bowed low before the lion and said, “Oh mighty lion, please forgive me. I was on my way here when I encountered another lion who claimed to be the ruler of this forest. This lion is far stronger and more dominant than you, and he insisted that I serve him instead of you. Terrified for my life, I barely escaped his clutches (grasp, grip) and rushed to present myself before you.”
The lion, inflated (exaggerated, puffed up) with pride and unable to tolerate the thought of another lion rivaling his authority, immediately became incensed (enraged, furious). “Another lion?” he thundered, his eyes glittering (shining, sparkling) with fury (rage, wrath). “Take me to him! I shall show this usurper (claimant, intruder) who truly rules this forest!”
The hare, seeing that the lion was now thoroughly perturbed (disturbed, upset) and eager to confront this imaginary rival, led the lion to a deep well at the edge of the forest. The water in the well was calm, reflecting the sky like a perfect mirror. “There!” the hare said, pointing dramatically to the water’s surface. “That is the lion who dares to challenge your supremacy.”
The lion, now blinded by hubris (arrogance, pride) and intoxicated (overwhelmed) with his desire to confront this antagonist (opponent), peered into the water and saw his own reflection. But in his pride, he was unable to recognize it as merely an image of himself. He saw a fierce lion staring back at him, and in a frenzied (chaotic, frantic) rush, he leapt into the well, roaring loudly as he plunged into the depths of the water.
The lion struggled in the water, but his strength could not overcome the pull of the depths. In his impetuous (impulsive) rage, he drowned, never realizing that he had fallen victim to the hare’s crafty (clever, sly) plan.
The hare, though small and seemingly powerless in the face of such a mighty foe (enemy, opponent), had triumphed through intelligence and ingenuity (creativity, cleverness). The animals of the forest, who had been living in fear for so long, were now free from the lion’s oppressive rule. They celebrated the hare’s victory, hailing him as a hero who had demonstrated that wisdom often prevails (triumphs) over brute force.
As for the hare, he did not bask in vain glory (self-importance, pride) or brag (boast) about his triumph. Instead, he reminded his fellow creatures that, while strength has its place, it is often prudence (caution, wisdom), foresight (anticipation, planning), and resourcefulness that lead to true success. From that day forward, the animals lived in harmony, no longer cowering (trembling) under the shadow of the lion’s tyranny. The lesson of the hare’s victory became an enduring (lasting) tale of the power of intellect over raw strength.
Moral: Intelligence is often more powerful than brute strength.
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