The Ass and His Shadow
Story Summary
In the simple short story "The Ass and His Shadow," a traveler hires an ass for transportation and seeks refuge from the intense heat under its shadow. A dispute ensues between the traveler and the ass's owner over who has the right to the shadow, escalating to a physical fight, during which the ass gallops away. This famous fable with moral illustrates that in quarreling over trivial matters, we often lose what is truly important, making it one of the best moral stories suitable for short bedtime stories with moral lessons.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
In our disputes over minor matters, we may overlook and lose what truly matters.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, reflects themes of human folly and the often trivial nature of disputes, showcasing the idea that focusing on minor grievances can lead to the loss of more significant benefits. Aesop's fables, originating in ancient Greece, have been retold across cultures, emphasizing moral lessons through simple narratives involving animals and humans. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of squabbling over inconsequential matters, a theme that resonates through various retellings in literature and folklore.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable serves as a reminder in modern life that focusing too much on trivial disputes can lead us to lose sight of what truly matters. For example, two colleagues might get embroiled in a heated argument over credit for a project, wasting time and energy—only to miss the deadline and jeopardize their team's success.
You May Also Like
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.
The Seller of Images
In this culturally significant moral story, a man attempts to sell a wooden statue of Mercury, claiming it can bestow wealth and riches. When questioned about why he is selling such a valuable figure instead of enjoying its gifts himself, he explains that he needs immediate assistance, as the statue's blessings come slowly. This heartwarming tale highlights the theme of valuing immediate needs over long-term benefits, making it one of the best moral stories.
The Woman and Her Hen
In this famous moral story, a woman who owned a hen that laid an egg daily became greedy, hoping to receive two eggs by feeding the hen extra barley. Instead, her actions backfired as the hen grew fat and stopped laying eggs altogether, leaving her with nothing. This uplifting moral story serves as a life lesson: greed can lead to unexpected consequences, reminding us to appreciate what we have.
Other names for this story
"Dispute Over Shade, The Shadow Dispute, The Ass and His Shade, Quarreling for Shade, The Lost Shadow, Shade of the Ass, The Shadow Dilemma, The Tale of the Disputed Shadow"
Did You Know?
This story illustrates the folly of focusing on trivial disputes at the expense of what truly matters, highlighting how human conflicts can lead to losing valuable opportunities or resources, much like the traveler and the owner losing the ass itself while arguing over its shadow.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.