The Dog Who Lost His Prey for a Shadow
Story Summary
In Aesop's classic moral story, "The Dog Who Lost His Prey for a Shadow," a dog foolishly drops its actual prey to chase after its reflection in the water, nearly drowning in the process. This entertaining tale serves as a cautionary lesson on the dangers of greed and the deception of appearances, making it a standout in short story collections with moral lessons for young readers. Aesop's fables remain among the top 10 moral stories, highlighting timeless truths about human nature.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that in pursuit of illusions or superficial gains, one may lose what is truly valuable.
Historical Context
The fable of "The Dog Who Lost His Prey for a Shadow" is attributed to Aesop, a Greek storyteller from the 6th century BCE, known for imparting moral lessons through simple narratives featuring animals. This story reflects a universal theme found in folklore across cultures, warning against the folly of greed and the illusion of desire, as seen in similar tales from Indian and Persian traditions. Aesop's fables have been retold throughout history, influencing literature and moral teachings in various societies.
Our Editors Opinion
The story of "The Dog Who Lost His Prey for a Shadow" reminds us that in our pursuit of superficial gains or illusions—like social media validation or material wealth—we risk losing what truly matters in life. For instance, a professional who prioritizes a high-paying job over meaningful relationships may find themselves lonely and unfulfilled, having sacrificed genuine connections for the fleeting allure of status and success.
You May Also Like
The Thistles upon the Grave
In the very short moral story "The Thistles upon the Grave," a Mind Reader wagers that he can be buried alive for six months, using thistles to secure his grave against disturbances. However, after only three months, he emerges to eat the thistles, losing the bet and illustrating the folly of underestimating basic needs. This simple short story serves as a reminder that even the most clever plans can be undone by simple desires, making it a notable example among famous moral stories for class 7.
The Overlooked Factor
In this culturally significant moral story, a man who meticulously bred his dog to produce exceptional offspring laments the dullness of his own children after marrying his washerwoman. The dog, overhearing his complaint, suggests that the differences in their progeny may not solely be attributed to the mothers, hinting at the man's own qualities as a factor. This short story delivers simple lessons from stories about the importance of self-awareness and the role of personal choices in shaping outcomes, making it a compelling addition to any collection of best moral stories.
The Tortoise and the Eagle
In "The Tortoise and the Eagle," a tortoise yearning to fly persuades an eagle to teach her, promising riches in return. However, when the eagle drops her from great heights, she realizes too late that her aspirations were beyond her abilities, leading to her demise. This very short moral story serves as a wisdom-packed reminder for young readers that aspiring for what one cannot handle can often lead to ruin.
Other names for this story
Chasing Shadows, The Dog and the Reflection, Lost in the Water, Shadows of Desire, The Illusion of Prey, Drowning for a Dream, Reflection's Deceit, The Fickle Nature of Prey
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the dangers of greed and distraction, emphasizing how pursuing illusions can lead to losing what we genuinely possess. The story serves as a timeless reminder to value what we have rather than being seduced by the false allure of superficial gains.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.