The Ram and the Wolf
Long ago, beside an old forest with cool waters, there lived a wise ram who was proud of his curved horns. He wandered freely across the green pastures and grazed in peace, breathing in the fresh thyme scents carried by the wind. One evening, as purple shadows settled on the mountain slope, the growl of a cunning wolf was heard among the bushes. This sly wolf, whose eyes gleamed with hunger, had long been dreaming of a tasty prey. Believing that the ram had nowhere left to flee, the wolf planted himself right in front of him with threatening steps. With an arrogant air he growled: "Today my luck has turned, at last I have found my supper." Although his heart was pounding, the ram did not lose his calm and decided to use his wits.
Bending his neck slightly, he said: "It is an honour for me to become food for a hunter as strong as you." "But so as not to spoil the taste of my lean meat, I have a small offer for you," he added. Surprised by this unexpected meekness, the wolf pricked up his ears with curiosity. "If you open your mouth wide and wait below the little hill, I can leap from up there straight into your throat," he said. "That way you will not tire yourself catching me, nor will you have to chew my bones," he spoke persuasively. The thought of filling his belly without effort had managed to sway the mind of the cunning wolf. Saying "This is a wonderful idea, climb the little hill at once and jump into my mouth," he opened his jaws as wide as they would go.
The ram climbed to the top of the hill, drew back and began to scrape the earth swiftly with his strong hooves. Then, gathering all his strength, he bent his huge horns forward and hurled himself downward. Rushing like the wind, the ram struck the head of the wolf at full speed so violently that heaven and earth groaned. Unable to understand what had hit him, the wolf saw stars, lost his senses and lay stretched on the ground. The clever ram lifted his shaken head and walked with sure steps towards his safe pastures, proud of his victory. Those who unite their wits with their courage manage to come out victorious even from the most merciless dangers. Wisdom is better than strength.