The Bowman and Lion
Story Summary
In this entertaining moral story, a skilled bowman ventures into the mountains, striking fear into the hearts of all animals except for a brave lion. When the bowman shoots an arrow, declaring it a mere messenger of his true power, the lion, terrified by the attack, realizes that if such a fearsome threat can come from a distance, he cannot withstand the man himself. This quick read story imparts a valuable lesson for students about the dangers of underestimating those who can strike from afar.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is to be cautious of those who possess the ability to harm from afar, as their power can instill fear even before they make direct contact.
Historical Context
This story is reminiscent of fables attributed to Aesop, a Greek storyteller from the 6th century BCE, who often used animal characters to impart moral lessons. The theme of cunning versus brute strength, as well as the caution against underestimating the capabilities of others, reflects the cultural values of wisdom, strategy, and self-preservation prevalent in ancient storytelling traditions. This particular narrative also aligns with the genre of fables found in various cultures, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and awareness in the face of danger.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the importance of recognizing the power of indirect threats and the impact of one's reputation or capabilities in modern life. For example, in a professional setting, consider a skilled negotiator who, before a critical meeting, shares a compelling report detailing their past successes. Even before the meeting begins, their reputation instills fear in competitors, prompting them to reconsider their strategies, much like the Lion who feared the Bowman's arrow. This underscores the lesson to respect the power of those who can affect outcomes from afar, whether through skill, influence, or reputation.
You May Also Like
The Bear and the Fox
In the short fable "The Bear and the Fox," a boastful Bear claims to be the most philanthropic animal, asserting he respects humans so greatly that he won't even touch their dead bodies. The clever Fox counters this claim, suggesting it would be far more virtuous for the Bear to eat the dead rather than prey on the living. This well-known moral story highlights the true nature of philanthropy in a humorous and thought-provoking manner.
The Lion the Fox and the Beasts
In "The Lion the Fox and the Beasts," a timeless moral story, the cunning Fox wisely avoids the Lion's trap by observing that while many animals enter the cave, none return. This short bedtime story imparts a meaningful lesson about the dangers of blindly following others and the importance of being wary of traps. Ultimately, it reminds readers that it is easier to fall into danger than to escape from it, making it a valuable moral story for class 7.
The Fox Without a Tail
In this short moral story, a Fox, having lost his tail in a trap, proposes that all foxes should abandon their tails, claiming they are inconvenient. An older fox wisely points out that this advice seems self-serving, highlighting a key life lesson about the distrust of self-interested counsel. This storytelling with morals reminds us to be cautious of simple lessons from stories that may be influenced by personal motives.
Other names for this story
The Archer and the Beast, The Fearful Messenger, Lion's Dilemma, The Marksman and the Lion, Courage Against Distance, The Lion's Retreat, Bow and Claw, The Fearless Bowman
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of fear and the perception of strength; the Lion is more intimidated by the Bowman’s arrow than by the man himself, illustrating how the potential threat of a skillful adversary can invoke greater fear than the actual confrontation. It serves as a reminder that appearances and the means of attack can significantly influence a creature's (or person's) response to danger.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.