The Lion's Share

In the vast African savanna, where the golden grasslands stretched endlessly under the blazing sun and acacia trees provided sparse shade for the creatures who called this challenging land home, there lived a magnificent lion named Rex who was known throughout the region for his strength and hunting prowess.

Rex was indeed a formidable predator, with a powerful build, sharp claws, and the kind of commanding presence that made other animals step aside when he approached. He had earned his reputation through years of successful hunts and had established himself as one of the most feared and respected carnivores in the territory.

However, despite his individual strength and skill, Rex had been struggling lately to catch enough prey to satisfy his substantial appetite. The herds of zebra and antelope had become more cautious and better organized, making it increasingly difficult for a lone hunter to approach close enough for a successful attack.

After several days of failed hunting attempts and growing hunger, Rex decided that he needed to try a different approach. He would form a hunting partnership with other predators, combining their different skills and abilities to increase their chances of success.

Rex approached three other animals who were also skilled hunters in their own ways: a swift fox named Vulpes, a powerful wolf named Lupus, and a cunning jackal named Canis. Each of these animals brought unique talents to the potential partnership.

“My fellow hunters,” Rex announced to the three smaller predators, “I propose that we form a hunting alliance. Together, our combined skills will make us far more successful than any of us could be alone.”

Vulpes, the fox, was intrigued by the proposal. “What did you have in mind, Rex? How would such a partnership work?”

“It’s simple,” Rex explained. “We’ll use each of our strengths to coordinate the hunt. Vulpes, your speed and agility can help us scout and chase prey. Lupus, your endurance and pack-hunting instincts will help us coordinate the attack. Canis, your cunning can help us devise strategies for approaching different types of prey.”

Lupus, the wolf, nodded thoughtfully. “And your strength, Rex, would be invaluable for bringing down large prey that might be too powerful for the rest of us to handle alone.”

“Exactly!” Rex agreed enthusiastically. “Together, we’ll be unstoppable. And of course, we’ll share the results of our hunts fairly among all partners.”

The three smaller predators were excited by this proposal. They had often watched Rex’s successful hunts from a distance and knew that partnering with such a powerful hunter could significantly improve their own chances of securing regular meals.

“It sounds like an excellent plan,” agreed Canis, the jackal. “When do we start?”

The next morning, the four hunters set out together across the savanna in search of suitable prey. Their different skills quickly proved to be complementary in exactly the way Rex had predicted.

Vulpes used his keen eyesight and speed to scout ahead and locate a small herd of antelope grazing near a watering hole. Canis devised a clever strategy for approaching the herd from multiple directions. Lupus coordinated the timing of their attack, and Rex provided the strength needed to bring down a large, healthy antelope.

The hunt was a complete success—far more successful than any of them could have achieved working alone. The antelope they had caught was large enough to provide a substantial meal for all four hunters, and they gathered around their prize feeling pleased with their effective teamwork.

“Excellent work, everyone!” declared Rex as they prepared to divide their catch. “This partnership is going to work out perfectly!”

However, when it came time to actually share the meat, Rex’s attitude suddenly changed. Instead of the fair division he had promised, he began to assert claims that seemed increasingly unreasonable to his partners.

“Now then,” Rex announced in a tone that brooked no argument, “let’s divide this catch according to proper principles. First, as the king of beasts and the leader of this partnership, I claim one-quarter of the meat by right of my royal status.”

The three smaller hunters looked at each other with some surprise, but this seemed potentially reasonable. After all, Rex was the most powerful member of their group, and traditional hierarchies in the animal kingdom often gave special privileges to apex predators.

“Second,” Rex continued, “as the partner who contributed the most strength to bringing down this prey, I claim another quarter by right of my superior contribution to the hunt.”

Vulpes, Lupus, and Canis began to feel somewhat uncomfortable with this reasoning, but they could see some logic in it. Rex had indeed provided the crucial power needed to actually kill the antelope.

“Third,” Rex went on, his voice becoming more authoritative, “as the one who organized this hunting partnership and brought us all together, I claim a third quarter as payment for my leadership and initiative.”

Now the three smaller hunters were definitely alarmed. Rex had already claimed three-quarters of the catch, leaving only one-quarter to be divided among the three of them.

“And finally,” Rex concluded with a menacing growl, “I strongly advise you to let me have the fourth quarter as well, unless any of you would like to dispute my claims through combat.”

Lupus, who was the bravest of the three smaller hunters, stepped forward to object. “But Rex, this isn’t what we agreed to! You promised that we would share the results of our hunts fairly. How is it fair for you to take the entire catch when all of us contributed to its success?”

Rex’s eyes flashed dangerously as he faced the wolf. “Are you questioning my judgment, Lupus? Are you suggesting that the king of beasts doesn’t know how to fairly reward his subjects?”

Vulpes tried to support his partner. “We’re not questioning your authority, Rex, but we did have an agreement about sharing. Without our scouting, strategy, and coordination, you never would have been able to approach this antelope successfully.”

Rex let out a roar that echoed across the savanna, causing all three smaller animals to step back in alarm. “The agreement was that we would work together, and we have! But I never said that ‘fairly’ meant ’equally.’ The lion’s share naturally goes to the lion!”

Canis, realizing that argument was futile and potentially dangerous, tried a different approach. “Perhaps we could compromise? Even a small portion would be appreciated, considering our contribution to the hunt.”

But Rex was unmoved by appeals for compromise. “You three are welcome to hunt with me again anytime you like, under the same terms. I provide the strength and leadership, and I receive the appropriate reward for my superior contribution. If you don’t like these terms, you’re free to return to hunting alone.”

The three smaller hunters realized they were in an impossible situation. They could not challenge Rex physically, and he had made it clear that he would not honor the spirit of their original agreement. They had no choice but to walk away empty-handed, having contributed significantly to a successful hunt but receiving nothing for their efforts.

As Rex settled down to enjoy his monopolized meal, the three partners walked away across the savanna, disappointed and betrayed by the lion’s abuse of his power.

“We should have known,” Lupus said sadly. “When someone has the power to take everything, promises of fair sharing don’t mean very much.”

Vulpes nodded in agreement. “Rex was perfectly willing to benefit from our skills and cooperation, but when it came time to honor his commitments, his power made our contributions seem unimportant to him.”

From that day forward, the three hunters never again partnered with Rex, despite his occasional invitations to join him on hunts. They had learned that partnerships with those who have overwhelming power rarely turn out fairly for the weaker partners, no matter what promises are made initially.

Rex, meanwhile, found himself returning to solitary hunting, as word of his betrayal spread among the other predators in the region. His abuse of power had cost him the very partnerships that could have made him more successful in the long term.

Moral: When entering partnerships with those who have significantly more power than you, be aware that promises of fair treatment may not be honored when it comes time to divide the benefits. Those with overwhelming power often redefine “fairness” to justify taking the lion’s share, regardless of others’ contributions.