438- A Mosquito Teaching the King of the Animals

In a conference of animals, a lion stood haughtily announcing that he was the king of the animals. He also said that he was the conqueror of all creatures: animals, birds, insects and even man. A mosquito passing by got mad at these statements and said to the lion, “The whole world knows that your body is strong and that you can defeat many. But I know that every creature has a unique capability that makes it different from others.”

The lion replied, “Who are you, mosquito, to give me advice? You’re too small to talk to me.”

The mosquito said, “King of the beasts, be afraid and not arrogant.”

The lion asked mockingly, “Whom should I fear?”

The mosquito replied, “Fear your arrogant heart lest you fall.”

The lion said, “I’m not afraid for I’m a strong king.”

The mosquito flew toward the lion and stung him on the nose then quickly flew away. The lion roared and began to rub his nose with his two front paws. Now and then the mosquito stung the lion in different places on his body. He became like a toy among the animals and his strength could not save him from the mosquito’s stings.

As the mosquito taught the lion a lesson, she stood apart and mocked him in front of the animals. As she was moving left and right, up and down, doing nothing but mocking she was stuck to the light web of a spider. She began screaming to no avail until she lost all her energy and died of hunger and thirst. She became a meal for the spider.

That is how a lion belittled a mosquito and she made him loose his equilibrium, dignity and capability. The mosquito lost its life to a weak spider. That is why Solomon, who was very wise, warns us of the little foxes that destroy the vineyard.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: بعوضة تُعطي درسًا لملك الحيوانات.

Lord, with You I am strong.

“I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.”

You are my strength, my victory, my joy and my glory.

I do not fear sin, the world or the devil.

I fear the arrogance of my heart that makes me think that I am strong on my own.

Then I fall in the web of small sins and, by my ignorance, lose my eternity.

Lord, protect me from the little foxes.

A Donkey Mimicking Another Donkey

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

The Sick Lion and the Wise Fox