Long ago, a terrible drought dried up rivers and lakes, leaving the animals desperate for water. King Lion ordered everyone to dig a well together. All obeyed — except Shulo the Hare, who refused to help.

The animals sang and danced as they dug, though in truth they were only stamping the earth harder. Finally, clever Tortoise dug deep and found water. The animals rejoiced but warned each other: “Shulo will surely try to steal our well.”

So they kept watch each night. But Shulo, with his calabash of honey, tricked every guard — Hyena, Leopard, Antelope. He smeared honey on their mouths, then insisted they must be tied up before tasting more. Foolishly, each agreed. Once bound, Shulo took all the water he wanted, splashed about, and left the well muddy.

At last it was Tortoise’s turn. Instead of guarding on the bank, he hid underwater. When Shulo leapt in, Tortoise snapped his foot and held fast till morning. The animals dragged Shulo before King Lion.

The King declared, “You refused to dig, yet you stole our water and spoiled the well. You must die.” Shulo begged for one last request: to sing and dance before his death. The King agreed.

Soon, the Hare’s song and rhythm caught on. The animals clapped, stomped, and danced with him. Dust rose in thick clouds. And when it cleared—Shulo was gone, having danced his way to freedom.

✨ Moral: Tricksters may escape punishment through wit, but their cunning often thrives only because of the foolishness of others.

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