The Fox the Cock and the Dog
Story Summary
In "The Fox the Cock and the Dog," a clever Fox tries to deceive a Cock with the news of a universal truce, claiming that all beasts will coexist peacefully. However, when the Cock mentions the approaching Dog, the Fox quickly retreats, illustrating how cunning can backfire. This classic fable, part of impactful moral stories, teaches that those who attempt to trick others may end up ensnared by their own deceit.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Cunning and deceit can lead to one's own downfall.
Historical Context
This story is a fable attributed to Aesop, a Greek storyteller from the 6th century BCE, known for teaching moral lessons through animal characters. Aesop's fables have been retold across cultures, emphasizing themes of wit, cunning, and the consequences of deceit. The tale illustrates the idea that cleverness can backfire, a common motif in many of Aesop's narratives, reflecting societal values around honesty and wisdom.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the importance of discernment and the potential consequences of deceit in modern life, where manipulation and false narratives can be prevalent. For instance, in a workplace scenario, an employee might spread rumors of a forthcoming promotion to manipulate a colleague, only to be outsmarted when that colleague alerts management about the deception, ultimately leading to the manipulator’s own downfall.
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Other names for this story
Fox and the Cock, The Clever Cock's Tale, A Night of Deceit, The Fox's Folly, The Cock's Cleverness, The Fox and the Dog's Dilemma, Peace Among Beasts, The Tricky Fox's Escape
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme that deceit and cunning can backfire, as the Fox's attempt to trick the Cock is foiled by the Cock's cleverness in introducing a potential threat, highlighting the importance of wit in overcoming danger.
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