This is a story of the ancient times when the animal people are united, and they can all speak a single language. The animal people want to choose a leader among them, so they call a meeting in a large meadow. At the meeting, different suggestions are offered on the...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
attributes of a good leader; however, nobody can think of an agreeable method to use to choose the leader, until Ajidimo, the Squirrel, comes forth with an idea that the rest of the animals think is brilliant.
He suggests that a race should be conducted to facilitate the leader-choosing process, because such a race “would show who exemplifies the qualities of leadership.” The five candidates for the position are Horse, Buffalo, Cougar, Wolverine, and Wapoose, the Rabbit; they are required to run around a circular lake four times. Throughout the first few laps of the race, Wapoose lags behind the other candidates.
However, she also displays remarkable calm and respect for the process and impresses the race referee, Eagle, who thinks that
Wapoose is brave and respectful and carries a very humble way of looking at the world.
Unknown to the rest, Wapoose runs strategically: she has established the easiest path to follow around the lake by sniffing at the air currents. Also, as she runs, she pauses every once in a while to admire and enjoy the scenery; thus, for her, winning is not everything. She even stops a number of times in her third lap to help Wolverine, who is trapped in a rock crevice; Horse, who is caught fast in a tangle of bushes; Buffalo, who is up to his belly in a bog; and a fatigued cougar.
Finally, all five continue the race to the shore together via the route established by Rabbit. They all cross the finish line together. They all think that Wapoose should be elected leader of the animals because of the excellent leadership qualities she has displayed so far, although she has only completed three laps. However, Wapoose insists that she has one more lap to go and that she does not want to be their leader. She says the following:
I understand that when all our energies are directed towards the same goal, there is no need for one to lead. We all help each other complete the journey.
She finishes her fourth lap and joins the others at the shore, after which they all return to their people with “a great story and a great teaching.”