Long ago, an ox named Shatraba lost his way into the forest. The lion, king of the forest, was startled at first by his powerful bellow, but upon meeting him found him gentle and wise. The two became close friends, spending every day together, so much so that the lion began neglecting his kingdom and his subjects entirely.

Dimna, a jackal from the lion's court, noticed this strange closeness and grew jealous, worried it threatened his own standing. He decided to drive the two friends apart through lies. Secretly, he told the lion that the ox was plotting to overthrow him and seize the throne, then went to the ox and warned him that the lion planned to attack and kill him without warning.

Each believed Dimna's cunning words without ever speaking honestly to the other. The next time they met, each was convinced the other meant to strike first, and a fierce fight broke out that ended with the gentle ox's death. When the lion later discovered the truth of what Dimna had done, his regret was immense over the friendship he had lost — and the tale remains a lasting reminder that gossip can destroy even the greatest friendships, unless we seek the truth for ourselves first.