The Lion and the Hare
Story Summary
In this creative moral story, a Lion encounters a sleeping Hare and, tempted by the sight of a passing Hart, abandons his sure meal for a chance at a larger prize. After a futile chase, he returns only to find the Hare has escaped, realizing too late that he lost both opportunities. This meaningful story teaches that sometimes, in pursuit of greater gains, we risk losing what we already possess.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that one should not forsake what they have in pursuit of something better, as it may lead to losing both.
Historical Context
This fable is attributed to Aesop, a storyteller from ancient Greece, whose tales often convey moral lessons through animal characters. The story reflects themes of greed and the consequences of forsaking immediate rewards for uncertain gains, a common motif in various cultures' folklore, including similar tales in the Panchatantra from India and medieval European adaptations. Aesop's fables have influenced literature and moral education across centuries, emphasizing the importance of prudence and the folly of overreaching ambition.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the importance of valuing what we already possess instead of risking it all for uncertain gains. In modern life, this can be reflected in a scenario where an employee neglects their stable job in pursuit of a supposedly better opportunity, only to find themselves without either when the new offer falls through. The moral reminds us that sometimes, holding onto what we have is wiser than chasing after what we might not obtain.
You May Also Like
Uncalculating Zeal
In the Kingdom of Damnasia, a man-eating tiger terrorizes the populace, prompting the King to offer his daughter Zodroulra as a reward for the beast's slayer. Camaraladdin, seeking fame, claims the reward without confronting the tiger, instead presenting the scalp of a wealthy man, leading to his execution by the King. This culturally significant moral story illustrates the dangers of misguided ambition, suggesting that sometimes, uncalculated zeal can cost more than one anticipates, as the millionaire could have been a solution to the tiger problem.
The Wolf and the Fox
In "The Wolf and the Fox," a large and strong Wolf, believing himself honored by his fellow wolves when they call him "Lion," foolishly abandons his kind to live among lions. An observant old Fox comments on the Wolf's pride, pointing out that despite his size, he will always be merely a wolf in a herd of lions. This entertaining moral story serves as a life-changing reminder of the dangers of self-conceit and the importance of recognizing one's true nature in the realm of popular moral stories for adults.
The Thirsty Pigeon
In "The Thirsty Pigeon," a moral story that serves as a cautionary tale for children, a pigeon, desperate for water, mistakenly believes a painted goblet on a signboard is real and crashes into it, injuring herself. Captured by a bystander, her plight illustrates the importance of discretion over impulsive actions, making it a valuable lesson found in motivational stories with moral for class 7.
Other names for this story
Lost Opportunities, The Lion's Regret, A Lesson in Choices, The Hare's Escape, The Chase of the Hart, The Price of Greed, When Hunger Strikes, The Cunning Escape
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of greed and the consequences of not appreciating what one already possesses; the Lion loses both the Hare and the opportunity to catch the Hart by prioritizing potential gain over what was already within his grasp.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.