The Humble Beginnings of a Potter
In a faraway village, there lived a potter whose life revolved around clay and fire. One day, while removing baked pots from his kiln, a pitcher slipped from his hand and shattered into pieces. Some fragments had sharp, pointed edges.
The Scar That Changed Everything
Not long after, the potter stumbled and fell flat on his face. One of the shards pierced his forehead, leaving a deep wound from which blood flowed profusely.
A scar from a wound and a fresh start
It took months for the wound to heal, but it left a large scar on the potter’s forehead. Years went by, and the potter remained busy with his craft of making pots. Whenever he looked at his face in a mirror, the scar made him feel uneasy. He was very sad to see that it had marred his appearance, making his face look quite ugly. But as the saying goes, everything happens for the best.
A Journey to the Capital
Now, as luck would have it, a drought struck the area, leading to a severe famine. The potter had to leave his village and travel to a distant town along with his family. This town was the capital of a kingdom. He went from door to door, seeking employment, and finally, he was fortunate enough to secure a job in the royal court.
Mistaken Identity: The King’s Favor
One day, the king happened to see the potter, who was a sturdy, well-built man. The king’s gaze fell on the scar on his forehead, which told a story that wasn’t true, leading him to mistakenly believe that the potter was a brave Rajput warrior. Impressed, the king appointed him as the guard of his personal chambers.
Jealousy Among Warriors
As the potter enjoyed the king’s favor, the older warriors in the royal service became envious of his newfound status. They whispered among themselves, plotting to undermine his position, sharpening their words like blades as they bided their time. Despite their scheming, the potter remained grateful to God for the scar that had unexpectedly led him into the king’s good graces.
The Looming Threat of War
Time passed, and several quiet years went by. Then, one day, the king’s spies brought alarming news—a neighboring ruler was preparing to attack the kingdom.
At once, the king ordered his general to ready the army and meet the enemy with full force. A select group of warriors was formed into a special squad, tasked with striking the enemy before they could launch their assault.
The Revelation of Truth: Just clay, fire, and a scar born of an accident
Because the potter was in the king’s good graces, he too was summoned for an interview. But when questioned about his past record, it emerged that he was nothing more than a potter, with no experience of bravery or skill in battle. The truth behind the scar on his forehead was also revealed.
The king was stunned to learn the reality about his favored man. Disappointed, he ordered the potter to leave the royal service and return to his village at once.
The King’s Fable: A Lesson in Identity
The potter pleaded for a chance to prove his courage on the battlefield, but the king refused.
“You may claim to be as brave and lionhearted as a warrior,” the king said, “but courage alone is not enough. Skill in battle is forged through generations of warriors—and neither you nor your ancestors have ever fought.”
To explain his point, the king told the following story:
The Lion and the Jackal
Once upon a time, in a dense forest, there lived a mighty lion. His mate gave birth to two beautiful cubs, so she remained in the den to care for them while the lion went out to hunt.
One day, the lion roamed far and wide in search of prey, but by sunset, he had found nothing. Exhausted and disappointed, he made his way back to the den. On the way, he came across a newborn jackal lying helplessly by the roadside. The lion gently picked it up in his jaws and carried it alive to his den.
Upon reaching his den, the lion said to the lioness, “I couldn’t find any prey today. On my way home, I came across this baby jackal lying helpless by the roadside, so I brought it back alive for you. Eat its tender flesh and ease your hunger.”
Welcoming the Baby Jackal into the Lion’s Family
The lioness, a mother who had given birth to two cubs only days earlier, replied, “My dear, you spared this tiny creature out of pity. Why should I commit the sin you refused to? I will not eat it. Instead, I shall raise it as my third cub.”
The lion cautioned her, “You may raise it as a son, but it will never be a lion. In time, blood will always reveal its true nature.”
However, the lioness ignored the lion’s words. She began to nurse the jackal baby alongside her own cubs. Innocent as they were, the cubs came to see the jackal as their brother, and the three of them played and frolicked together.
True Blood reveals itself
Days passed, and about a year went by. The lion cubs and the jackal cub had grown considerably. They now wandered farther from the den and had begun hunting small animals on their own.
One day, the three cubs wandered into the deep forest, where they suddenly encountered an elephant. They were taken aback by its massive body and long trunk.
The lion cubs, true to their nature, prepared to attack without hesitation. Fearless by virtue of their blood, they crouched, ready to spring. But the jackal cried out, “Hush! Stay away from this giant beast or it will kill you!”
Without another word, he turned tail and fled. Seeing their brother run, the lion cubs—uncertain now—followed him.
When they reached the den, the lion cubs complained to their father about their brother’s cowardice. Hearing this, the jackal grew angry and began scolding the lion cubs in return. He had no idea of his true nature and considered himself equal to them in every way.
The Jackal Learns Who He Is
Seeing the quarrel, the lioness took the jackal aside and gently advised him not to be angry with his brothers.
But the jackal refused to listen. “Mother!” he protested, “you’re taking their side—as if I’m not your son!”
The lioness explained to the jackal the entire story of his birth and upbringing. Upon learning the truth about himself, the jackal turned pale. The cubs, who had been his brothers just moments before, now appeared to him as potential murderers.
Without wasting any time, the jackal bid farewell to his foster parents and brothers, fleeing for his life as fast as his legs could carry him.
The Potter’s Dilemma
After recounting this story, the king turned to the potter and said, “Leave this place at once. If the Rajput warriors discover your true identity, they will surely deal with you swiftly for acting as an imposter. Leave while you can, for mercy will not be their choice.”
The potter’s heart ached—not for the court’s luxuries, but for the dignity he thought he’d found. This time, he did not argue. He turned and walked away.
Moral of the Story: Know yourself. Pretending to be what you are not may open doors, but when the truth walks in, those same doors can quickly become exits.
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