Prince and Snake

Once upon a time, in a distant kingdom, there lived a young prince named Veer. He was brave, clever, and admired by all, but he had one weakness—his pride. He believed that strength and power were all that mattered and often looked down on others he thought were weak. One day, while riding through the forest, Prince Veer came across a small, injured snake lying on the path. It was barely moving. The prince raised his sword, ready to kill it, but the snake whispered, “Please… help me. I won’t harm you.” Amused, the prince put away his sword and carried the snake to a quiet spot, wrapping it gently in his cloak. Over time, the snake recovered. Before returning to the forest, it said, “You saved me. In return, I offer you a gift—not of gold or jewels, but of wisdom. One day, when you are in great danger, remember me.” Years later, war broke out in the kingdom. The prince was captured by enemies and locked in a deep, dark dungeon. Wounded and helpless, he thought his end was near. But one night, he heard a slithering sound. It was the snake. “You showed me mercy when I was weak,” it said. “Now I will show you the strength of kindness.” The snake bit through the ropes, unlocked the cell with a hidden key it brought, and guided the prince safely out of the enemy’s land. From that day on, Prince Veer was no longer proud, but wise and humble. He ruled his kingdom with compassion, remembering always that true strength lies not in power, but in kindness.