The Flying Lion – An African Folktale About Pride, Wisdom, and Change
The Flying Lion (Oom Leeuw) – A South African Folktale
Long, long ago, when the earth was still young and animals spoke like people, there lived a lion named Oom Leeuw, which means Uncle Lion. He was not an ordinary lion. No, this lion was special, and everyone knew it.
Oom Leeuw had wings.
His wings were wide and powerful, shining like gold in the sunlight. With one strong leap, he could rise into the sky. He flew over rivers, trees, and mountains. From above, he watched all the animals below. Because of this, Oom Leeuw was feared and respected.
People said, “He is king of the land.”
Others said, “He is king of the sky.”
Oom Leeuw himself said, “I am king of everything.”
And this was where the trouble began.
Oom Leeuw became very proud. He walked slowly, with his chest pushed forward. He spoke loudly so everyone could hear him. When other animals talked, he did not listen. When they warned him, he laughed.
“My wings make me greater than all of you,” he said.
“Who can challenge a lion who can fly?”
One day, Oom Leeuw met a beautiful lioness. From the moment he saw her, his heart became soft. He wanted to impress her. He flew higher than ever before, turning and spinning in the sky.
“Look at me,” he roared. “There is no lion like me!”
The lioness smiled and praised him. Her words made his pride grow even bigger. Because of love, Oom Leeuw forgot to be careful. Because of pride, he forgot to be wise.
Watching from a distance were the White Crows. These birds were not strong, but they were clever. They had sharp eyes and sharp minds. They saw Oom Leeuw’s pride, and they whispered among themselves.
“When someone believes they cannot fall,” said one crow,
“That is when they fall the hardest,” said another.
Early one morning, the White Crows flew to Oom Leeuw. They bowed low and spoke in sweet voices.
“Oh mighty Flying Lion,” they said,
“Your wings are the most beautiful wings we have ever seen.”
Oom Leeuw smiled proudly.
“But such fine wings,” the crows continued,
“should be cleaned and cared for. Let us help you.”
Oom Leeuw hesitated for a moment. No one had ever touched his wings before. But his pride pushed away his doubt.
“Yes,” he said. “You may touch them.”
The White Crows pecked and pulled gently. Oom Leeuw felt something strange, but he stayed silent. He did not want to look weak. He did not want to ask questions.
At last, the crows stepped back.
“It is finished,” they said.
Oom Leeuw spread his wings — and suddenly they fell from his body.
The mighty Flying Lion crashed to the ground. Dust rose into the air. Oom Leeuw roared in pain and shock. He tried to fly again, but his body stayed on the earth.
The White Crows laughed as they flew away.
“Pride closed your eyes,” they cried.
“Even kings must be careful.”
Oom Leeuw lay alone. The sky he once ruled was now far above him. His heart was heavy with shame. Days passed. Hunger came. Slowly, he learned to walk instead of fly. He learned to hunt like other lions.
The animals no longer feared him as before, but some watched quietly. They saw a change.
Oom Leeuw became silent and thoughtful. He remembered his pride. He remembered his fall. And he learned an important truth:
Power without humility brings loss.
Pride without wisdom brings pain.
From that day on, Oom Leeuw lived as a land lion. He became calmer, wiser, and kinder. He no longer ruled the sky, but he ruled his heart.
And that is why, even today, lions do not fly.
This old African story reminds us that no matter how strong or special we are, we must remain humble. True greatness is not in rising above others, but in understanding who we are and accepting change with wisdom.
THE END
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Questions and Answers for Kids
1. What is the story “The Flying Lion” about?
Answer: The story is about a lion who can fly but loses his wings because of pride and carelessness. It teaches lessons about humility, wisdom, and change.
2. Why is the lion called Oom Leeuw?
Answer: “Oom Leeuw” means “Uncle Lion” in Afrikaans. It is a respectful name often used in South African folktales.
3. What makes the lion special at the beginning of the story?
Answer: The lion is special because he has wings and can fly, which makes him powerful and respected by other animals.
4. How does pride affect the Flying Lion?
Answer: Pride makes the lion careless and overconfident. Because of his pride, he trusts the wrong animals and loses his wings.
5. Who are the White Crows and what role do they play?
Answer: The White Crows are clever birds who trick the lion. They take advantage of his pride and cause him to lose his wings.
6. What mistake does the Flying Lion make?
Answer: The Flying Lion’s mistake is trusting the White Crows and believing he is too powerful to be harmed.
7. What happens when the lion loses his wings?
Answer: When he loses his wings, the lion can no longer fly and must live like other lions on the ground.
8. How does the lion change after losing his wings?
Answer: He becomes calmer, wiser, and more humble. He learns to accept change and understands his mistakes.
9. What lesson does the story teach children?
Answer: The story teaches that pride can lead to downfall and that true strength comes from humility and wisdom.
10. Why is this story called an African folktale?
Answer: It is called an African folktale because it comes from African oral storytelling traditions and teaches moral lessons using animals.
Discussion Questions for Kids (Critical Thinking)
11. Do you think the Flying Lion was happy after he lost his wings? Why or why not?
Answer: He was sad at first, but later he became wiser and learned to live a better life.
12. What would you do if you had special powers like the Flying Lion?
Answer: Children may say they would help others, stay humble, or use their powers wisely.
13. What can we learn about trusting others from this story?
Answer: We should be careful about whom we trust and always think before making decisions.
14. Why do you think African stories often use animals?
Answer: Animals help teach lessons in a fun and easy way that children can understand.
15. What does the story explain about lions today?
Answer:
The story explains why lions do not have wings and cannot fly.
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