Story: The Tiger and the Crow

There once was a lonely Tiger who was feared throughout all the jungle. No other animal would dare mess with him and so all would flee from his path.

(Tiger growling)

One evening after a kill the Tiger was feasting, with much more food than he could eat, when an injured crow appeared from hiding. 

(Animated Crow standing)

"Excuse me, King of the Jungle, I know that I am wrong to bother you, but I have been here many days and have had nothing to eat. May I, if you allow it, have some of your food whenever you're done with it and have nothing else to do with it. I would repay you with a favor if you ever should need it"

The Lion looked at the worthless Crow with a scowl and with one quick roar shunned the Crow away "You will have none of what I have here, and you should be thankful I don't kill you now. Now go away before I change my mind."

The crow cowered away, still hungry, but with hope of regaining his health. The tiger continued to eat, but when all he could eat was eaten he tossed what was remaining of the meal into the river, so that no other animal could have any of what was his, especially the Crow. He then returned to his loneliness and isolation and carried on with his life. 

Months later while the Tiger still on his own was hunting, and was about to pounce, but out of nowhere came a loud CRACK! The tiger crumpled with blood flowing down his leg could not move very well because of the severe pain in his leg. Hours turned into days for the tiger, who knew if he could not find help he would surely die. In his darkest moments began to yell out for help. Every animal knew the tiger and would not come to his aid, but in a surprising moment the crow flew down and landed by the tigers leg.

"You do not look to well tiger, it seems we have switched roles." The tiger not wanting to be messed with replied "I do not have time for your snide comments, now go away, and leave me." The crow remembering his suffering and not receiving any help looked to the tiger with true forgiveness and a desire to help and flew away. 

(Crow flying)

Moments later he returned with food for the tiger and began to help him regain strength and return to his former self. The tiger now understanding what he had been before his injury saw the forgiveness of the crow and the sacrifice and courage that it took to help him, the most evil and undeserving animal in the jungle. The tiger looked to change his ways and began to help all of those in need. Before his dying breathe years after the moment of his transformation he was surrounded by many of his new friends and others he had helped along the way. He went in peace with his best friend the crow standing right beside him. 

Author's Note. This story is about the redemption of a tiger because of the gracious actions of a crow. It shows the impact that we can have on others though acts of true kindness and forgiveness. It is based off of the fable The Lion The Mouse which tells of the help that can come from the tiniest of generosity, with a little of a total transformation and the idea of leaving behind a legacy and of new generations being changed.

Bibliography. This story is based on the fable, "The Lion The Mouse" in the Fables of Aesop by Joseph Jacobs