The Fawn and His Mother
Story Summary
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.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Courage cannot be instilled through reasoning or advantages; it is an innate quality that varies among individuals.
Historical Context
This story echoes themes found in Aesop's Fables, a collection of moral tales attributed to the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop, who is believed to have lived around the 6th century BCE. The fable illustrates the idea that innate qualities and advantages do not guarantee bravery, reflecting a cultural understanding of fear and instinct in both human and animal behavior. Similar motifs of courage and fear appear in various folklore traditions, emphasizing the universal nature of these emotions.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the notion that external advantages do not always translate into inner strength or confidence, a lesson that resonates in our modern lives where anxiety and fear can overshadow our skills and capabilities. For instance, a highly qualified job candidate may freeze during an interview due to nerves, illustrating how even the most impressive qualifications can be rendered ineffective if one lacks the courage to assert themselves.
You May Also Like
The Two Bags
In the culturally significant moral story "The Two Bags," an ancient legend reveals that every person is born with two bags: one in front filled with the faults of others and a larger one behind containing their own faults. This poignant metaphor serves as a lesson learned from stories, illustrating how individuals are quick to perceive the shortcomings of others while often remaining blind to their own failings. As a compelling addition to short story collections with moral themes for adults, it emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and humility.
The Bowman and Lion
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.
The Kingdom of the Lion
In "The Kingdom of the Lion," a just and gentle Lion unites the beasts of the field and forest with a proclamation for a universal league, promising peace among all creatures, regardless of their strength. However, the instinctive fear of the Hare, who longs for safety yet flees in terror, underscores the challenges of true coexistence and highlights the moral complexities in this simple short story. This entertaining moral tale serves as a poignant reminder of the difficulties in achieving harmony, making it a fitting read for class 7.
Other names for this story
Fearful Fawn, Courage of the Fawn, The Fawn's Fear, Lessons from the Fawn, The Brave Mother, Swift and Fearful, The Cowardly Fawn, Motherly Wisdom
Did You Know?
This story highlights the theme that true courage cannot be measured by physical attributes or advantages; even the strongest can feel fear in the face of danger, illustrating the psychological nature of bravery. The fawn's innocent questioning underscores the often misunderstood relationship between strength and fear.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.