The Lynx and the Hare: A Chippewa Fable

One winter, a lynx, who was famished, met a hare in the woods. As food was very scarce in the barren woods, the lynx licked its chops as it eyed the hare. The hare, however, stood up on a rock and was safe from its enemy.

“Sweet hare,” said the lynx kindly. “Come here, my little white one. I wish to talk to you.”

“Oh, no,” replied the hare. “I am afraid of you, and my mother told me never to talk to strangers.”

“You are very pretty,” answered the lynx, “and a very obedient child to your parents, but you must know that I am a relative of yours. I wish to send some word to your lodge. Come down and see me.”

The hare was pleased to be called pretty, and when she heard that it was a relative, she jumped down from the place where she stood, and was immediately attacked by the lynx.