The Woodcutter Without a Brain

-Morocco-

 Two woodcutters were walking in a thicket when they saw lion spoor on the road. “This is the mark of a lion,” said one. “What shall we do?” “Let us go on our way and do what we have to do,” said his friend. So they continued along the path and each collected a load of firewood. When it was time for them to return, the first man said, “Let us take another way home, in Allah’s name!” “No, this path is shorter,” said his friend. The first man said, “I saw lion’s spoor on the road and I shall not return that way, by Allah!” And he took a rocky path higher up the mountain.

     The second woodcutter returned the way they had come. When he reached the place where they had noticed traces of a lion, he found the lion himself sitting in the middle of the road. “Peace, uncle lion,” said the man. “Peace, O son of Adam,” said the lion. “What are you doing here?” asked the man. “I am sick,” replied the lion, “and I need the brain from the head of a man to cure me. God in His mercy has led you to me and is offering me your brain, praise be to Him.” “Listen, O lion,” said the man, “for what I am about to tell you is the truth. I am a brainless fellow. Had I the least bit of brain I should not have returned this way. The one with the brain is up there beyond the rocks!”

“God grant you happiness,” said the lion and began climbing up the mountain.

Arab Folktales – Inea Bushnaq