The Bull and the Goat

Story Summary
In "The Bull and the Goat," a thought-provoking moral story, a Bull seeking refuge from a Lion is unexpectedly attacked by a He-Goat in a cave. The Bull calmly asserts that his true fear lies with the Lion, not the Goat, illustrating the moral lesson about the evil disposition of those who take advantage of a friend in distress. This meaningful story with moral highlights the importance of recognizing true threats and the nature of malicious behavior.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that it is wrong to exploit someone else's misfortune for personal gain.
Historical Context
This fable, likely originating from ancient Greece, is attributed to Aesop, whose tales often convey moral lessons through animal characters. The story reflects themes of courage, loyalty, and the exploitation of the vulnerable, echoing the broader cultural values of resilience in the face of adversity and the importance of standing together against common threats. Aesop's fables have been retold through generations, influencing literature and moral teachings worldwide.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the modern reality of how individuals sometimes exploit the vulnerabilities of others rather than uniting against a common threat. For instance, in a workplace setting, an employee facing criticism from management may be targeted by colleagues eager to assert their own power, rather than those who should be standing in solidarity against the larger issue of poor leadership.
You May Also Like

The Bull and the Calf
In "The Bull and the Calf," a classic short moral story, an experienced Bull struggles to navigate a narrow passage to his stall. When a young Calf offers to help, the Bull arrogantly dismisses him, claiming he knows the way better than the Calf, highlighting a timeless lesson about the value of humility and accepting guidance. This tale serves as an engaging example of moral stories for young readers, teaching important life lessons.

The Fawn and His Mother
In the folklore tale "The Fawn and His Mother," a young fawn questions why his larger and faster mother is afraid of hounds. She explains that despite her advantages, the mere sound of a dog terrifies her, highlighting the lesson that courage cannot be instilled in the inherently timid. This thought-provoking moral story serves as a quick read, reminding us that bravery is not solely determined by physical attributes.

The Birdcatcher the Partridge and the Cock
In "The Birdcatcher the Partridge and the Cock," a birdcatcher faces a moral dilemma when he must choose between a pleading tamed partridge and a young cock for dinner. Both birds highlight their unique contributions to his life, but ultimately, the birdcatcher's necessity for food trumps compassion, illustrating a thought-provoking moral about the conflicts between survival and empathy. This short tale serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes, even the best moral stories reveal the harsh realities of human choices.
Other names for this story
Bull vs Goat: A Tale of Strength, The Lion's Shadow: Bull's Dilemma, Strength in Adversity: Bull and Goat, The Cave Encounter: Bull and Goat, Fear and Pride: The Bull's Choice, The Bull's Escape: A Cave Story, Clash of Titans: Bull and Goat, The Goat's Challenge: A Fable of Fear
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of opportunism, showcasing how some individuals exploit the vulnerabilities of others rather than confronting larger threats, illustrating a moral lesson about loyalty and the nature of true strength.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.