In a peaceful forest, a wise hermit lived a simple life. One day, as he ate his meal, a tiny mouse fell from the sky—dropped by a crow! The kind hermit took pity on the little creature, feeding it grains and keeping it safe.

But soon, a hungry cat stalked the mouse. To protect it, the hermit turned the mouse into a cat. The cat grew strong, but then dogs began chasing it. So, the hermit changed it into a big, brave dog.

Yet danger still followed—now tigers lurked nearby! The hermit, smiling, said, "Very well, little one. Become a tiger!" And so, the mouse became the king of the jungle.

As a mighty tiger, the former mouse forgot its humble beginnings. It roared and ruled the forest, scaring all creatures. But villagers who knew the truth would whisper:

"That’s no real tiger—just a mouse the hermit transformed!"

The tiger burned with shame and anger. "As long as the hermit lives, everyone will mock me!" it thought.

One dark night, it crept toward the hermit’s hut, planning to kill him!

Just as the tiger was about to attack him, the hermit noticed it.

"Ungrateful creature!" he screamed angrily. With a snap of his fingers, the tiger shrank back into a tiny, trembling mouse.

The hermit shook his head. "Without gratitude, even the greatest power is meaningless."

The mouse bowed low. Ashamed of its actions, it ran off into the jungle.