The Doe and the Lion
Story Summary
In "The Doe and the Lion," a doe fleeing hunters discovers a life-changing truth as she seeks refuge in a lion's cave, only to be attacked and killed by the very beast she thought would save her. This poignant tale serves as a cautionary reminder for young readers that in avoiding one danger, one must be wary of falling into a greater peril. Through folklore and moral stories like this, we learn valuable lessons for personal growth and the importance of careful decision-making in life.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
In trying to escape one danger, be wary of inadvertently falling into a greater peril.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, reflects the ancient Greek tradition of using animal characters to convey moral lessons about human behavior and the dangers of making hasty decisions. The story highlights the theme of seeking refuge from one danger only to encounter a greater threat, a moral that resonates across cultures and has been retold in various forms throughout history, including in medieval bestiaries and later adaptations in literature. Aesop's fables have been influential in shaping moral storytelling, emphasizing the importance of caution and discernment in the face of peril.
Our Editors Opinion
The story of the Doe and the Lion serves as a poignant reminder in modern life to carefully evaluate our choices and the potential consequences of our actions, particularly when seeking safety or refuge. For instance, someone might leave a toxic work environment in search of a healthier culture, only to find themselves in an even more harmful situation with a manipulative boss in a new job, illustrating the need for discernment in decision-making.
You May Also Like
The Old Lion
In the short story "The Old Lion," a once-mighty lion, now frail and ill, faces attacks from various animals seeking revenge or asserting dominance, culminating in humiliation from an ass. His lamentation that enduring insults from such a lowly creature feels like a second death underscores the poignant moral of the tale: true dignity is often tested in moments of vulnerability. This concise moral story is a powerful addition to short story collections with moral teachings, reminding readers of the challenges faced in the twilight of power.
The Kite, the Pigeons, and the Hawk
In the fable "The Kite, the Pigeons, and the Hawk," a group of Pigeons turns to a Hawk for help against a Kite's relentless attacks. After the Hawk defeats the Kite, he becomes overindulgent and vulnerable, leading the grateful Pigeons to blind him in a twist of fate. This life-changing story serves as a moral lesson about the dangers of excess and ingratitude in folklore and moral stories.
The Lion the Fox and the Ass
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.
Other names for this story
"Escape Gone Wrong, The Doe's Fatal Choice, From Hunters to Predators, A Doe's Dilemma, Caught Between Beasts, The Cave of Deception, Misplaced Trust, The Perilous Refuge"
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of seeking safety, where the Doe's attempt to escape one danger leads her to a greater peril, emphasizing the importance of carefully considering the choices we make in times of crisis. It serves as a cautionary tale about how sometimes, in fleeing from one threat, we may inadvertently expose ourselves to a worse one.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.