The Bowman and Lion
Story Summary
In this entertaining moral story, a skilled bowman ventures into the mountains, striking fear into the hearts of all animals except for a brave lion. When the bowman shoots an arrow, declaring it a mere messenger of his true power, the lion, terrified by the attack, realizes that if such a fearsome threat can come from a distance, he cannot withstand the man himself. This quick read story imparts a valuable lesson for students about the dangers of underestimating those who can strike from afar.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is to be cautious of those who possess the ability to harm from afar, as their power can instill fear even before they make direct contact.
Historical Context
This story is reminiscent of fables attributed to Aesop, a Greek storyteller from the 6th century BCE, who often used animal characters to impart moral lessons. The theme of cunning versus brute strength, as well as the caution against underestimating the capabilities of others, reflects the cultural values of wisdom, strategy, and self-preservation prevalent in ancient storytelling traditions. This particular narrative also aligns with the genre of fables found in various cultures, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and awareness in the face of danger.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the importance of recognizing the power of indirect threats and the impact of one's reputation or capabilities in modern life. For example, in a professional setting, consider a skilled negotiator who, before a critical meeting, shares a compelling report detailing their past successes. Even before the meeting begins, their reputation instills fear in competitors, prompting them to reconsider their strategies, much like the Lion who feared the Bowman's arrow. This underscores the lesson to respect the power of those who can affect outcomes from afar, whether through skill, influence, or reputation.
You May Also Like
The Fox and the Stork
In this short moral tale, the Fox's unkindness towards the Stork, when he serves soup in a shallow dish that she cannot eat, leads to a clever lesson in reciprocity. When the Stork invites the Fox to dinner and serves a meal in a narrow-necked jar that the Fox cannot access, she illustrates the consequences of his actions. This big moral story teaches kids about the importance of treating others with kindness and fairness.
The Kingdom of the Lion
In "The Kingdom of the Lion," a just and gentle Lion unites the beasts of the field and forest with a proclamation for a universal league, promising peace among all creatures, regardless of their strength. However, the instinctive fear of the Hare, who longs for safety yet flees in terror, underscores the challenges of true coexistence and highlights the moral complexities in this simple short story. This entertaining moral tale serves as a poignant reminder of the difficulties in achieving harmony, making it a fitting read for class 7.
The Camel
In "The Camel," an engaging moral tale from the top 10 moral stories, a man initially flees in fear from the creature's vast size. However, as he witnesses the camel's gentle nature, he gains confidence and learns to control it, illustrating that familiarity can help overcome dread. This thought-provoking moral story emphasizes the power of understanding and familiarity in overcoming fear.
Other names for this story
The Archer and the Beast, The Fearful Messenger, Lion's Dilemma, The Marksman and the Lion, Courage Against Distance, The Lion's Retreat, Bow and Claw, The Fearless Bowman
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of fear and the perception of strength; the Lion is more intimidated by the Bowman’s arrow than by the man himself, illustrating how the potential threat of a skillful adversary can invoke greater fear than the actual confrontation. It serves as a reminder that appearances and the means of attack can significantly influence a creature's (or person's) response to danger.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.