The Lion the Fox and the Ass
Story Summary
In the short moral story "The Lion, the Fox and the Ass," three animals agree to share the spoils of a hunt. After the Ass is devoured by the Lion for dividing the loot equally, the Fox wisely learns from this misfortune and takes the largest portion for himself when asked to divide the spoils. This tale, part of folklore and moral stories, emphasizes the importance of learning from others' experiences, making it a fitting choice for bedtime moral stories.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Learn from the mistakes of others to avoid suffering the same fate.
Historical Context
The fable of "The Lion, the Fox, and the Ass" is attributed to Aesop, an ancient Greek storyteller whose tales often feature anthropomorphic animals and convey moral lessons. This fable, like many of Aesop's works, serves as a commentary on the themes of power dynamics and survival, illustrating how wisdom can be gained through observing the consequences of others' actions. Its enduring legacy has led to numerous adaptations and retellings across cultures, emphasizing the importance of prudence and the dangers of naivety.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the importance of learning from the mistakes of others to navigate power dynamics and avoid detrimental outcomes in modern life. For instance, in a corporate setting, an employee may observe a colleague who was overly assertive and faced backlash from management; by choosing to adopt a more strategic and collaborative approach, they can secure their position and avoid similar pitfalls.
You May Also Like
The Weasel and the Mice
In this simple short story with moral lessons, an old weasel, unable to catch mice due to his age, disguises himself in flour to deceive unsuspecting prey. As several mice fall victim to his trap, an experienced mouse recognizes the ruse and warns others, wishing that the weasel's deceit is matched by his own success. This meaningful story illustrates the consequences of trickery and the wisdom of those who have survived many dangers.
The Old Man and The Ass
In "The Old Man and The Ass," a classic among concise moral stories, an old man and his ass encounter a lush meadow, where the carefree animal prioritizes its own comfort over the man's warnings about approaching robbers. This dynamic illustrates themes of self-interest and the relationship between master and servant, serving as a reminder found in many famous fables with moral lessons: sometimes, one's own safety may be overlooked in the pursuit of personal pleasure. Ultimately, the tale underscores the importance of recognizing the true nature of those we rely on in moral-based storytelling.
The Ass and the Wolf
In "The Ass and the Wolf," a classic fable from the realm of moral stories written for both entertainment and instruction, an Ass feigns lameness to deceive a predatory Wolf. When the Wolf offers to help by removing a thorn, the Ass kicks him and escapes, prompting the Wolf to reflect on the folly of trying to heal instead of embracing his nature as a predator. This long story with moral highlights the importance of understanding one’s true role in life, making it a fitting choice for bedtime moral stories.
Other names for this story
The Clever Fox's Lesson, The Lion's Ruthless Divide, A Fable of Survival, Wisdom from the Ass's Fate, The Fox's Smart Strategy, The Lion and the Art of Division, Lessons from the Jungle, The Ass's Mistake and the Fox's Wisdom
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the importance of learning from the mistakes of others, illustrating that wisdom often comes from observing the consequences of poor choices, as seen in the Fox's clever avoidance of the Ass's fate.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.