The Ass and the Old Shepherd
Story Summary
In the engaging moral tale "The Ass and the Old Shepherd," a shepherd warns his lazy Ass about an approaching enemy, but the Ass dismisses the danger, claiming that a change in leadership won't improve his burdens. This well-known moral story illustrates that for the oppressed, a shift in power often leads to no real change in their lives, reflecting the sentiment that the poor merely exchange one master for another. Ultimately, it serves as an entertaining reminder that the struggles of the underprivileged remain constant, regardless of who rules.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that the oppressed often remain unchanged by a shift in power, as their circumstances do not improve regardless of who is in charge.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, highlights themes of apathy and resignation in social hierarchies, reflecting the struggles of the lower classes throughout history. Variations of this tale have appeared in numerous cultures, illustrating the universal sentiments of subservience and the futility of hope for change when power dynamics remain unchanged. The story serves as a poignant commentary on the nature of oppression, often retold in various forms to emphasize the satirical critique of authority and the plight of the marginalized.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable underscores the idea that those in lower socio-economic positions often face the same struggles regardless of who holds power, highlighting the futility of political change for the disenfranchised. In modern life, a worker in a corporation may experience this when a new CEO is appointed; despite a change in leadership, their day-to-day responsibilities and challenges remain unchanged, reflecting the reality that systemic issues often persist regardless of who is in charge.
You May Also Like
The Ass the Cock and the Lion
In "The Ass the Cock and the Lion," a tale that embodies value-based moral stories, a Cock's loud crowing scares away a hungry Lion, instilling false confidence in the Ass. Believing he can confront the Lion, the Ass foolishly pursues him, only to be caught and killed. This short and sweet moral story teaches that misplaced bravery can lead to dangerous consequences, offering a valuable lesson in humility.
The Lion the Fox and the Ass
In the short moral story "The Lion, the Fox and the Ass," three animals agree to share the spoils of a hunt. After the Ass is devoured by the Lion for dividing the loot equally, the Fox wisely learns from this misfortune and takes the largest portion for himself when asked to divide the spoils. This tale, part of folklore and moral stories, emphasizes the importance of learning from others' experiences, making it a fitting choice for bedtime moral stories.
The Old Lion
In the short story "The Old Lion," a once-mighty lion, now frail and ill, faces attacks from various animals seeking revenge or asserting dominance, culminating in humiliation from an ass. His lamentation that enduring insults from such a lowly creature feels like a second death underscores the poignant moral of the tale: true dignity is often tested in moments of vulnerability. This concise moral story is a powerful addition to short story collections with moral teachings, reminding readers of the challenges faced in the twilight of power.
Other names for this story
The Lazy Ass's Wisdom, The Shepherd's Dilemma, A Change of Masters, The Ass's Indifference, The Panniers of Power, The Shepherd and His Ass, The Ass's Choice, Master or Master?
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the idea that for the oppressed, the identity of the ruler may be irrelevant if their circumstances remain unchanged, highlighting the often grim reality that those who serve do so under varying degrees of exploitation.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.