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 sa...