Loading...
The Stag at the Pool
fable
2 min read
0 comments
0:000:00
Story Summary
In this captivating moral story, a stag admires his impressive antlers while undervaluing his slender legs. When a lion pursues him, he realizes too late that his legs, which he despised, could have saved him, while his admired antlers led to his downfall. This impactful tale serves as a powerful reminder for young readers that what is truly valuable is often underrated.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that true value lies in qualities we often overlook, while superficial attributes can lead to our downfall.
Historical Context
This fable is attributed to Aesop, a figure from ancient Greece who is believed to have lived around the 6th century BCE. Aesop's Fables, a collection of moral tales featuring anthropomorphized animals, have been retold and adapted throughout history, embodying timeless lessons about human nature and values. The moral of this particular fable reflects a common theme in various cultures: the importance of recognizing and valuing one's true strengths rather than being seduced by superficial attributes.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the modern tendency to overlook our true strengths while fixating on superficial attributes, reminding us that what we often undervalue can be our greatest asset. For instance, in a job interview, a candidate might focus excessively on their impressive degree rather than emphasizing their adaptability and problem-solving skills, only to later realize that these soft skills are what employers truly value and seek in a team member.
You May Also Like
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.
friendship
courage
Bull
Lion
The Lion and the Rattlesnake
In this short moral story, a man attempts to subdue a lion with the power of his gaze while a rattlesnake ensnares a small bird nearby. Both boast about their successes, but the lion ultimately points out the irony of the man's futile determination to control him. This quick read highlights the theme of effort versus outcome, making it a compelling moral story for students.
Power
deception
Man
Lion
The Lion and the Statue
In "The Lion and the Statue," a Man and a Lion engage in a humorous debate over their strengths, with the Man claiming superiority due to human intelligence. To support his argument, he points to a statue of Hercules defeating a Lion; however, the Lion cleverly counters that the statue is biased, created by a man to reflect his perspective. This inspirational short story with moral highlights how representations can be manipulated, reminding us that truth can be subjective in small moral stories.
Perception vs. reality
strength and intelligence
Man
Lion
Other names for this story
Reflections of Vanity, The Stag's Dilemma, Shadows of Pride, The Price of Pride, Strength in Humility, The Stag's Lesson, Antlers and Agony, The Fatal Flaw
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the irony of self-perception, where the Stag's admiration for his impressive antlers ultimately leads to his downfall, while the overlooked strength of his legs could have ensured his survival, illustrating that true value often lies in qualities that are easily dismissed.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.