The Ass the Cock and the Lion
Story Summary
In "The Ass the Cock and the Lion," a tale that embodies value-based moral stories, a Cock's loud crowing scares away a hungry Lion, instilling false confidence in the Ass. Believing he can confront the Lion, the Ass foolishly pursues him, only to be caught and killed. This short and sweet moral story teaches that misplaced bravery can lead to dangerous consequences, offering a valuable lesson in humility.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
False confidence can lead to perilous situations.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, reflects themes of bravery and folly often found in ancient Greek literature. The story illustrates how misplaced confidence can lead to perilous situations, a moral that resonates across cultures and has been retold in various forms throughout history, including adaptations in medieval bestiaries and modern children's literature. Aesop's fables, originally part of oral tradition, were later compiled in written form, emphasizing moral lessons that remain relevant today.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates how false confidence can lead individuals to underestimate real threats, a lesson that resonates in modern life where overestimating one's abilities or underestimating risks can have dire consequences. For example, a young entrepreneur might become overly confident after a few small successes and decide to invest all their savings into a risky venture without proper research, ultimately leading to financial ruin.
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Other names for this story
Bravery's Downfall, The Cunning Cock, The Lion's Fear, A Lesson in Humility, The Ass's Mistake, Courage Gone Wrong, The Cock's Warning, The Price of Overconfidence
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme that misplaced confidence can lead to perilous situations, as the Ass, emboldened by a moment of perceived strength, ultimately faces dire consequences for underestimating the true threat posed by the Lion. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overestimating one's own abilities in the face of real danger.
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