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The Lion and the MouseÂ
A story accredited to the Greek storyteller Aesop
As told to her 2nd grade class by Seattle Waldorf teacher Laura Cox
 A lion awoke after a long nap, well really a long sleep. He had slept away most of the day, nearly 22 hours! He was hungry and went out hunting, seeking food. Despite his best efforts, he was coming up empty-handed. He could not find a fox, nor a marmot, nor a rabbit, not even a little squirrel to sate his hunger and fill his belly. Finally, he heard a rustle in the buses and pounced, stepping right on the tail of a little mouse.
 The mouse trembled and quivered, knowing it was about to become dinner. She begged the lion not to eat her, explaining that she would hardly sate his hunger, and not even be worth the effort. She was too small to be a decent snack, never mind a meal. If he would consent to let her go free, she would owe him a life debt. Since he saved her life, she would dedicate herself to him and do him a favor whenever he might ask. Â
The lion and the mouse engraving by Gustave Doré
The lion, laughing, scoffed at the mouse, stating that he was the King of the Forest! How could she ever help him?! What could a little, teeny weeny mouse like her ever do for him that he could not do faster and better himself? He found the idea of ever needing a favor from a small creature like the mouse absolutely ridiculous! He was unkind in his words, and repeatedly insulting the mouse. Regardless, she just kept promising to help him out in the future, do him a solid, if he would consider letting her go.
The lion actually agreed that she would only spark his hunger further, by giving him one small bite and no more. Therefore, he agreed to let her go free. She thanked him and vowed to keep her promise to him one day.
Well, that one day came sooner than expected. Shortly thereafter the lion was once again out hunting. He moved silently and stealthily through the forest when all of a sudden, he found himself up in the air, trapped in a hunter’s net. It had been well camouflaged, covered in leaves and brush, over a pit. When he stepped on it, the net surrounded the lion and pulled him up off the ground to await the hunter’s return.
The lion roared in terror and frustration. He clawed and bit at the netting, trying to free himself, but only succeeded in trapping his claws in the net and becoming more entangled with each attempt. His roar rang out across the forest, heard by many including the mouse. Curious, she scurried toward the ferocious sound. When she saw the lion tangled in the net, she immediately set to work. She climbed up the net and began to nibble and gnaw at it with her sharp teeth. She worked furiously, determined to free the lion before the hunter returned. She soon cut a large hole in the netting; the lion jumped down and was free. A small little mouse was able to help and save the King of the Forest after all.    Â
A note from Seattle Waldorf School: This story can be especially helpful during times when a child might be facing a challenge or feeling uncertain. Its themes of courage and kindness can provide reassurance and encouragement, supporting children in finding their own inner strength. It can also be a lovely bedtime story to foster a sense of comfort and warmth before sleep.
