fact or fiction
Is it a fact or is it merely fiction? Fact or Fiction explores the lesser known truths in the food universe.
Lion and a Rabbit:
Deep inside the Emerald Forest, where trees touched the sky and sunlight danced between leaves, lived animals of every kind—deer, birds, elephants, monkeys, and even tiny ants. For generations, they lived in peace. But everything changed the day Raghu, the fiercest lion, became the self-proclaimed King of the Emerald Forest. Raghu was powerful, with a mane dark as midnight and claws that could slice bark like butter. At first, the animals respected him because of his strength. But soon, fear replaced respect. Raghu began to think strength was everything. He hunted not only when he was hungry but whenever he felt bored or angry. The forest grew silent. Animals hid in their burrows. Birds stopped singing. Even the wind seemed afraid to blow. One evening, the animals gathered near the Great Banyan Tree. “This cannot go on,” said an old deer. “If Raghu keeps hunting like this, soon none of us will be left,” whispered a mother squirrel. “Someone must stop him,” cried the parrot. But everyone knew the truth: no one could fight the lion. After hours of discussion, the animals made a plan. They decided that instead of letting Raghu hunt freely, they would send one animal to him each day as his meal. It sounded cruel, but it was the only way to save the rest. When the idea was presented to the lion, Raghu smirked. “Good,” he said. “At least you now understand your place.” Every day, one unlucky animal was chosen. Some went crying, some went silently, and some tried to run but were brought back. The forest lived in sorrow. One afternoon, when the sky shone gold and birds returned to their nests, the forest elders approached Rumi, a small grey rabbit known for her intelligence. “Rumi,” said the owl gently, “tomorrow is your turn.” The animals waited for tears or panic—but Rumi simply nodded. “I may be small,” she said, “but brains are not measured in kilograms.” The animals were shocked. “What do you mean?” asked the deer. “You will see,” Rumi replied with a mysterious smile. The next morning, Rumi set off slowly toward Raghu’s cave. She hopped leisurely, stopping to nibble grass, smell flowers, and even rest under a mushroom. By noon, she was still nowhere near the lion’s den. Back in the cave, Raghu paced without patience. “Where is my meal? How dare they keep a king waiting!” he roared, shaking the forest. Birds trembled on branches. Just then, Rumi appeared, tiny and calm. “You are late,” Raghu growled. “Give me one reason not to tear you apart right now.” Rumi bowed politely. “Great King, I tried to come on time. But another lion stopped me.” Raghu’s eyes widened. “Another lion? In my forest?” “Yes,” Rumi said, trembling just the right amount to seem convincing. “He said he is the true king. He even claimed that you are weak.” Raghu’s pride flared like wildfire. “Impossible! No one challenges me and lives! Take me to him at once!” Rumi led the furious lion deep into the forest. Instead of following the main path, she guided him through thorny bushes, slippery slopes, and rocky streams. “Where is he?” Raghu demanded. “Near the old stone well,” Rumi replied, pointing ahead. They reached the abandoned well, covered in moss. The water inside was still and dark like a mirror. Rumi whispered, “He is inside. He claimed he can defeat you.” Raghu, blinded by rage, marched to the edge and peered inside. At the bottom, he saw the reflection of a lion—his own reflection—but he did not understand. The reflection roared back because of the echo. Raghu roared louder. The echo answered louder. “He mocks me!” Raghu snarled. Without another thought, he leapt into the well to attack his “enemy.” With a huge splash, the water swallowed him. Rumi watched quietly. A few moments passed. Then silence. The mighty lion, who had terrorized the entire forest, could not climb out. The well was deep, and Raghu was gone. Rumi hopped to the edge and whispered, “Strength is nothing without wisdom.” When she returned to the forest, the animals were waiting anxiously. “Where is the lion?” they cried. “With the reflection he tried to defeat,” Rumi said playfully, “at the bottom of the old well.” The forest erupted in cheers. Monkeys jumped from tree to tree. Peacocks danced. Birds filled the sky with songs. The elephant lifted Rumi on his back and declared, “From today, Rumi is the Guardian of the Emerald Forest!” The forest came alive again. The trees felt taller. The wind blew freely. Flowers bloomed brighter than ever. From that day onward, whenever a young animal complained about being small or weak, the elders would smile and say: “Do not fear. Remember Rumi—the tiny rabbit who saved an entire forest.”
By Talhamuhammad11 days ago in Feast
The Lion and the Cat
In the heart of a vast, sun-drenched jungle, there lived a mighty lion named Raja. His roar could shake the tallest trees, and every creature in the jungle trembled at the sound of his voice. Raja was proud of his strength and power, and he ruled the jungle with a strict eye. Though feared by all, he felt that no one truly understood him. He was strong, yes, but he often felt lonely atop his throne of leaves and rocks. One day, as the golden sun filtered through the dense canopy, Raja lay napping near the riverbank. His mane glowed like molten gold, and his deep chest rose and fell with each slow, heavy breath. The jungle was quiet, for all creatures knew to stay far from the king’s resting place. But today, a small, curious cat named Moti was wandering through the jungle. Moti was not like other cats. She was tiny, with soft white fur and bright green eyes that sparkled with curiosity. She loved exploring, learning, and asking questions. Moti had heard tales of Raja, the mighty lion, and though she knew he was powerful, she felt no fear. There was something in her heart that told her courage was more than strength—it was about knowing when to act with wisdom. As Moti approached the riverbank, she saw the lion sleeping peacefully. The birds in the trees chirped softly, and the breeze played through the leaves. Moti paused and whispered to herself, “He looks so strong… but even a king can learn something from the smallest creature.” Gathering her courage, she tiptoed closer and gently touched Raja’s paw with her tiny paw. The lion’s eyes flickered open, and for a moment, he stared at the little cat in surprise. “Who dares disturb my rest?” he rumbled, his voice echoing through the jungle. Moti raised her head and spoke with confidence, “Your Majesty, I mean no harm. I have come to share a thought that might help you see the jungle in a new way.” Raja blinked slowly. He was amused. He had never been spoken to like this by a tiny creature before. “A thought? From a little cat? Tell me, then. I am listening,” he said, settling back on his paws. Moti sat on a nearby rock and began to speak. “Great Raja, you are the strongest in the jungle. Your roar can make trees tremble and animals flee. But strength alone cannot make the jungle a happy place. I have seen creatures suffer quietly, hiding their fears and sadness because they are afraid of you. True power comes not from fear, but from understanding and kindness.” Raja frowned. No one had ever spoken to him this way. He had always believed that power meant control, that fear was respect. But something about the little cat’s words made him pause. “Tell me more,” he said softly, curious despite himself. Moti continued, “Imagine a bird with a broken wing. If you roar at it, it will only grow more afraid. But if you help it, even in a small way, it will sing a song that reaches the hearts of everyone. Strength is fleeting, but kindness and wisdom make the jungle thrive.” Raja looked at her, amazed at her insight. The tiny cat’s words stirred something deep inside him. For the first time, he thought about the creatures of his jungle not as subjects to control, but as friends who shared the land with him. Days passed, and Moti and Raja spent time together. The lion learned from her small yet thoughtful ways, and the cat learned from his strength and courage. Raja began helping the weaker animals, protecting them not through fear, but through guidance and care. He discovered joy in listening, in sharing, and in understanding the needs of others. One day, a fire broke out in the jungle. The flames spread quickly, and panic spread among the animals. Raja roared, not to frighten, but to alert the creatures and guide them to safety. Moti led the smaller animals to a safe riverbank while Raja cleared paths through the fire, ensuring no one was left behind. When the fire finally subsided, the jungle was filled with grateful creatures. Raja realized something remarkable: he had earned their love, not their fear. And he owed this transformation to a tiny, wise cat who dared to speak the truth. From that day on, Raja and Moti became the most unlikely of friends. The jungle thrived under their care, and stories of the brave little cat and the mighty lion spread far and wide. Animals came to understand that true strength lay not in roaring the loudest, but in acting with courage, wisdom, and kindness. And so, in the heart of the jungle, the lion learned a lesson that changed his life forever: even the smallest creature can teach the greatest lessons, and the strongest hearts are those that show compassion.
By Talhamuhammad11 days ago in Feast
The Night Time Stood Still. AI-Generated.
This New Year’s Eve began like so many others, driven by that collective urge to believe the hours could stretch out, filled with laughter and haunting beats. The kids crowding into this bar—because it was just a bar, not a real club with its neon grids and security checks—went there for one reason: to let go, meet up with friends, and leave their worries at the door. They weren’t there to play with fire, literally. Just to breathe, dance, and exist without a thought for tomorrow.
By Laurenceau Porteabout a month ago in Feast
5 Foods that Taste Better the Next Day
Lately I’ve started to make more food than I need so that I can enjoy the leftovers the next day. It’s time efficient and works well with my busy schedule. What I didn’t expect to find was that somehow certain foods tasted better the next day rather than on the day they were cooked. The flavours seem deeper, the textures mode delicate, and the overall quality of the dish wasn’t altered. Here are 5 foods that I’ve noticed tasted better the next day.
By Dave's Your Uncle!about a month ago in Feast
How to Keep Your Pets Calm and Safe During Christmas Celebrations: A Holiday Safety Guide
How to Keep Your Pets Calm and Safe During Christmas Celebrations: A Holiday Safety Guide Warm family get-togethers, festive music, sparkling lights, and exquisitely decorated homes are all part of the wonderful holiday season. While we enjoy Christmas, our pets may experience unanticipated stress and danger. The noise, visitors, food, and decorations associated with holiday celebrations can overwhelm dogs, cats, and even small pets like birds or rabbits.
By Farida Kabir2 months ago in Feast
My Honest Beecher's Macaroni and Cheese Review
I'm not necessarily new to Beecher's. I'd seen their macaroni and cheese in the Walmart frozen food section, and while I'm always on the lookout for new mac and cheese varieties, the $11 price tag always scared me off. Plus, I was a little skeptical of the "World's Best" title on the box. How good can a box of frozen pasta really be?
By Kaitlin Shanks2 months ago in Feast
The Sacred Heart Soup Diet is Not So Sacred
Review There are plenty of misconceptions surrounding The Sacred Heart Soup Diet. For one thing, there’s nothing new about it; it has existed for several years under numerous names and resembles other types of diets. And, its origin is mysterious and dubious at best. What is known is that this soup-based diet is popular with dieters despite dire warnings of its effectiveness as a fad diet. So what exactly is this diet? Why should it be taken with caution? Let’s take a look.
By Dean Traylor3 months ago in Feast
A chicken is 75% water
The Surprising Truth: Why Understanding Chicken is 75% Water Matters for Cooking and Nutrition You grab a package of chicken from the store. It looks plump and ready for dinner. But did you know that chicken is 75% water? This simple fact changes everything about how you cook it. Most folks think chicken is mostly protein. They focus on the breast meat. Yet water makes up the bulk. This high moisture level affects texture, taste, and even safety in the kitchen.
By Story silver book 3 months ago in Feast
The Hunger Hue: Why Fast Food Chains Dominate with Yellow, Orange, and Red
The Hunger Hue: Why Fast Food Chains Dominate with Yellow, Orange, and Red Have you ever wondered why you feel a sudden craving when you spot a McDonald's sign? Those bright yellow arches against a red background grab your eye fast. Fast food spots like Burger King and Wendy's use yellow, orange, and red on purpose. These warm colors make you hungry. They push you to order quick and eat up. Color psychology plays a big role in marketing. In the food world, it stirs your appetite. Let's dive into why these shades rule the fast food game.
By Story silver book 3 months ago in Feast
East Timor (Timor-Leste) becomes the 11-th member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
When the leaders of Southeast Asia stood together this week in Kuala Lumpur, the applause that filled the hall wasn’t just for a formal diplomatic announcement. It was a moment that carried history, emotion, and transformation. After more than two decades of waiting, East Timor — officially known as Timor-Leste — was welcomed as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
By [email protected]3 months ago in Feast
