The Monkey as King
Story by: Aesop
Source: Aesop's Fables
The animals of the forest decided they needed a king to rule over them and bring order to their woodland realm.
“We must choose our leader wisely,” said the wise old owl. “Who among us would make the best king?”
After much discussion, they agreed to hold a contest. Each animal would perform before the assembly, and the one who entertained them most would be crowned king.
Many animals tried their best. The bear performed a clumsy dance, the deer leaped gracefully, and the rabbit told jokes. But when the monkey took his turn, he amazed everyone with his acrobatic skills, funny faces, and clever mimicry of the other animals.
“Magnificent!” cheered the audience. “The monkey shall be our king!”
They placed a golden crown upon the monkey’s head and seated him on a throne of twisted branches. The monkey was delighted with his new position and immediately began giving orders.
“From now on,” he declared pompously, “all the nuts in the forest belong to me! And everyone must bow when they see me!”
The old fox, who had watched the proceedings with growing concern, decided to test the new king’s wisdom.
The next day, the fox approached the monkey king with great ceremony. “Your Majesty,” he said with an elaborate bow, “I have discovered a treasure that rightfully belongs to the king of the forest. Will you come and claim it?”
The monkey’s eyes gleamed with greed. “A treasure? Of course! Lead me to it at once!”
The fox led the proud monkey to a clearing where he pointed to something glittering on the ground. “There, Your Majesty – the royal treasure!”
The monkey rushed forward eagerly, only to find himself caught in a hunter’s trap that had been baited with shiny objects. As he struggled helplessly, his crown fell off and rolled away.
The other animals gathered around, shaking their heads sadly.
“A true king,” said the wise fox, “would have been more cautious and thought before acting. Anyone can wear a crown and give orders, but real leadership requires wisdom, judgment, and care for others – not just the ability to entertain.”
The animals freed the monkey from the trap, but they chose a wiser leader to rule their forest kingdom.
Moral: True leadership comes from wisdom and good judgment, not from popularity or the ability to entertain. A crown does not make a king.
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