The Herdsman and the Lost Bull
Story Summary
In this very short moral story, a herdsman vows to sacrifice a lamb to the forest deities if he discovers the thief of his lost Bull-calf. When he finds a Lion devouring the Calf, panic sets in, leading him to wish for a full-grown Bull instead, illustrating the theme of moral-based storytelling about the consequences of one's vows and the instinct for self-preservation. This inspirational short story serves as a quick read with a valuable lesson about facing fears and the weight of promises.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that people often make vows in desperation, but when faced with true danger, their priorities shift dramatically.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes found in ancient fables and folklore, often attributed to Aesop, a Greek storyteller known for imparting moral lessons through animal characters and human-like dilemmas. The narrative encapsulates the human tendency to negotiate with the divine in times of crisis, drawing on cultural beliefs in the protective powers of deities such as Hermes and Pan, who were revered in ancient Greek religion for their roles as guardians of nature and the pastoral world. This tale also illustrates the irony of human desires and fears, a common motif in ancient storytelling that highlights the unpredictable nature of fate and fortune.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the human tendency to prioritize self-preservation over promises made in times of desperation. In modern life, one might see a parallel in a corporate employee who, after vowing to take ethical action if they could secure a promotion, compromises their values when faced with the threat of job loss or intense competition. In a real-life scenario, an employee may initially pledge to report unethical practices within the company but chooses to remain silent when they realize that whistleblowing could jeopardize their job security.
You May Also Like
The Manslayer
In "The Manslayer," a murderer fleeing from the victim's relatives desperately seeks refuge in a tree by the Nile, only to find a serpent waiting for him. In his panic, he jumps into the river, where a crocodile swiftly catches him, illustrating that nature offers no sanctuary for criminals. This short and moral story serves as a powerful reminder that wrongdoers cannot escape their fate, making it an inspirational short story with a clear moral.
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 Man and the Lion
A man and a lion boast about their superiority while traveling together, leading to a dispute that reflects the themes found in famous moral stories. When they encounter a statue depicting a lion being strangled by a man, the man claims it showcases human strength, but the lion counters that it represents a biased perspective, suggesting that if lions could create statues, the roles would be reversed. This very short moral story illustrates that the lessons learned from stories can vary greatly depending on the storyteller's viewpoint.
Other names for this story
The Lost Calf, The Herdsman's Dilemma, The Thief in the Forest, A Vow to the Guardians, The Bull and the Lion, The Quest for the Calf, A Herdsman's Sacrifice, The Stolen Bull Mystery
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of human nature's tendency to prioritize self-preservation over promises made in desperation, illustrating how fear can quickly alter one's intentions and values when faced with a real threat.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.