The Zebras' Pride - By Sonia Flodin

Written By: Sonia Flodin

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the captivating short story "The Zebras' Pride," Sonia Flodin invites readers to a meadow filled with life and fascinating dynamics between two herds. Part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this narrative explores the themes of pride and humility through the allegorical lens of animal interactions. Sonia’s storytelling prowess is on full display as she crafts a tale that resonates with universal truths and offers a reflective experience for readers worldwide.

About the Work

"The Zebras' Pride" is a masterful exploration of pride and its consequences. Through vivid characterization and engaging dialogue, Sonia Flodin portrays the zebras as proud creatures blinded by their perceived magnificence. The narrative is rich with imagery and imparts a profound message on the vulnerability that accompanies arrogance. The simple yet profound plot unfolds with an unexpected twist, offering a moral lesson that leaves a lasting impression.

Sonia Flodin

Original Submission by Sonia Flodin

The Zebras’ Pride

In a meadow filled with life and promise, there lived two herds: a herd of donkeys and a herd of zebras.

The zebras took great pride in their stripes. They believed that they were the most magnificent species to ever walk the earth. Whenever they caught a glimpse of the donkeys from afar, they would mock them, laughing at their appearance.

“Your ears are too long!”

“Your legs are too short!”

The donkeys, understandably, were afraid to fight back. They believed that the zebras were right because they had heard these insults for so long. It had always been this way, and eventually, they had become used to it.

Until one day, one donkey became brave.

She decided to leave her herd's grazing grounds and walk towards the zebras. She began grazing from their grounds.

One of the zebras noticed her.

Displeased, he approached her.

“You there!” he called out. “The nerve you have to set your hooves on our grounds! Return to your herd, or we will be forced to charge at you!”

“But why?” the donkey asked calmly. “This ground, and every other ground, is where we all stand together. What difference will it make for me to stand here?”

The zebra laughed, catching the attention of the others.

“Sisidenge, Considering the ground on which you are currently standing is the ground of the most magnificent species on Earth,” he said proudly, “yes, there is a difference.”

The other zebras laughed along with him.

“Yes, not even the lions would dare sink their fangs into our flesh,” another zebra added confidently.

The donkey remained calm. Instead of being intimidated, she became intrigued by their words.

“Really?” she asked. “Not even a lion would sink its fangs into your flesh? Then surely you must be the most magnificent animals. But if that is truly the case, it should be proven—not to me, but to all the animals who say otherwise.”

The zebras looked at one another. For a moment, they seemed uncertain.

But their pride quickly took over.

“Of course!” one of them exclaimed.

The donkey smiled.

“Good. Good,” she said. “I will let the lions chase me in order to lure them to you. The moment you see me running, huddle together and allow the lions to be blown away by your beauty.”

The zebras agreed.

The donkey then began to put her plan into action.

She approached the other animals in the meadow, warning them about what she was about to do. One by one, she told them to stay away from the lions’ territory.

Finally, she headed towards the lions.

The moment the lions caught sight of her, they began to chase.

The donkey ran as fast as she could.

She sprinted across the meadow, leading the lions closer and closer to the zebras.

The zebras saw her approaching.

Just as they had been instructed, they began to huddle together into one large group. They stood proudly, admiring their stripes and believing that their beauty would protect them.

The donkey continued running.

She knew exactly what was about to happen.

The zebras had been given every opportunity to humble themselves, but their arrogance had blinded them. They believed they were untouchable simply because they considered themselves magnificent.

Then the lions arrived.

The zebras suddenly realised what was happening.

Their confidence disappeared.

They tried to scatter, but it was too late.

One by one, the lions began to feast on them, while only a few managed to escape.

The donkey stopped at a safe distance and watched.

She had not brought the lions to the zebras because she hated them. She had done it because she knew that their arrogance would ultimately become their downfall.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, brings together a diverse array of voices from around the world. Celebrating creativity and expression, the competition serves as a platform for writers and poets to showcase their unique narratives and styles. This prestigious event encourages participants to delve into their imaginations and present their thoughts in compelling literary forms.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sonia Flodin for her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her short story "The Zebras' Pride." Her narrative not only entertains but also invites readers to reflect on the powerful themes of pride and humility. We look forward to seeing more of her thought-provoking work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.