The Elephant and the Sparrows

A pair of sparrows lived happily in their cozy nest on the branch of a tall tree in the jungle. The female sparrow had just laid eggs, and the couple eagerly awaited the arrival of their little ones.

One scorching summer day, a wild elephant, maddened by the heat, went on a rampage through the forest. He crashed into trees, uprooted plants, and broke branches in his path. In his frenzy, he struck the very tree where the sparrows lived. The branch snapped, the nest toppled, and the fragile eggs were shattered on the ground.

The sparrows managed to fly away, but their hearts were crushed with grief. The mother sparrow wept bitterly. Hearing her cries, a woodpecker friend flew down and consoled her, saying, “Dear friend, what is destined cannot be undone. But tell me, how can I help you?”

The sorrowful sparrow replied, “My children were innocent, yet this cruel elephant destroyed them. If you are truly my friend, show me a way to punish him.”

The woodpecker thought for a moment and said, “I know someone who can help. Come with me.” Together they went to meet the woodpecker’s friend, a fly. The woodpecker explained the situation, and the fly said firmly, “If you are my friends, I cannot refuse. I also know someone wise who can guide us—the old frog.”

So the three went to the frog and told him everything. The frog listened carefully and said, “The elephant may be mighty, but he is alone. If we unite, we can defeat him. Here’s the plan:

• Fly—on the hottest afternoon, buzz near his ears. The sound will make him close his eyes in delight.
• Woodpecker—while his eyes are shut, you will peck them and blind him.
• Sparrow—stay strong; justice will be served.
• I will sit near a deep pit and croak loudly. The blind and thirsty elephant, thinking there is water, will follow my voice and fall into the pit.”

The plan was set. On the next scorching day, the fly buzzed in the elephant’s ears, the woodpecker blinded him, and the frog croaked by the pit. Misled, the elephant stumbled forward, fell into the pit, and was fatally trapped.

The sparrow’s sorrow was avenged, and together the friends proved that even the smallest creatures can overcome the mighty when united.

Moral of the Story:

When friends unite with wisdom and cooperation, even the strongest enemy can be defeated. Even the low and humble achieve results when they work together.