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 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 Lion, the Cock, and the Ass
In "The Lion, the Cock, and the Ass," a Lion is startled away from attacking an Ass by the proud crowing of a Cock, who claims his voice instills fear in the mighty beast. The Ass, however, humorously questions the Lion's peculiar fear of the Cock while disregarding the braying of the Ass, highlighting the thought-provoking moral that true strength lies not in appearances but in the wisdom to discern simple lessons from stories. This timeless tale serves as one of many moral stories for kids, encouraging them to reflect on the nature of fear and bravado.
The Bull and the Goat
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.
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.