How Anasi Tricked the Lion

Long ago, when animals spoke as humans do, Lion was the strongest in the bush. His roar shook the trees, and all creatures feared his hunger. Whenever Lion wanted meat, he took it by force. No one dared refuse him.

All except Anasi, the small spider with the sharp mind.

One dry season, food became scarce. Lion announced,
“Every animal must bring me food each morning. If not, I will eat you instead.”

Fear spread through the bush like fire. Animals whispered and cried, but Anasi smiled quietly.

The next morning, Anasi arrived before Lion, carrying a small covered pot.

Lion laughed.
“Spider, is that all you bring me? I could swallow you without chewing.”

Anasi bowed low.
“Oh great Lion, this is not ordinary food. It is Strength Soup. Whoever eats it becomes stronger than all others.”

Lion’s eyes widened.
“Stronger than me?”

Anasi nodded.
“But it only works if eaten alone, in silence, with no one watching.”

Greed filled Lion’s heart. He ordered all animals away and carried the pot into his cave.

Inside, Lion lifted the lid and sniffed. It smelled strange—bitter and smoky. He hesitated.

Outside, Anasi tied a rope to the pot’s handle without Lion noticing.

Lion took one gulp and roared in pain.
“This soup burns!”

At that moment, Anasi yanked the rope. The pot flew from Lion’s paws, spilling hot pepper water into his eyes.

Lion screamed and stumbled blindly from the cave, roaring and clawing the ground.

Anasi shouted,
“Run, everyone! Lion has lost his strength!”

The animals scattered, and Lion, blinded and humiliated, fled deep into the bush. From that day on, Lion hunted quietly and never again demanded tribute.

And Anasi?
He returned home, laughing, saying,

“Wisdom is stronger than teeth,
and the smallest one can defeat the biggest.”