The Frog and the Ox
Story Summary
In the fable "The Frog and the Ox," a young Frog excitedly describes a giant creature it saw, which the old Frog dismisses as just a farmer's Ox. Determined to outsize the Ox, the old Frog inflates himself repeatedly, ultimately bursting in a tragic display of self-conceit. This cautionary tale serves as a popular moral story, illustrating the dangers of trying to be something one is not, making it a quick read that offers life-changing lessons.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that excessive pride and self-conceit can lead to one's downfall.
Historical Context
This story, often attributed to Aesop, is a classic fable from ancient Greece that imparts moral lessons through anthropomorphized animals. The tale exemplifies themes of hubris and the dangers of overestimating oneself, common in many cultures' folklore, and is retold in various forms across traditions, emphasizing the universal relevance of its moral. Aesop's fables have been passed down through generations, often serving as educational tools to convey ethical messages to both children and adults.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the dangers of self-conceit and the importance of recognizing one's limitations, a lesson that resonates in today's world, where social media can amplify the pressure to portray an inflated sense of self. For instance, a young professional might overestimate their abilities while vying for a promotion, stretching themselves too thin in an attempt to impress their boss, ultimately leading to burnout and failure instead of the desired success.
You May Also Like
The Eagle and the Jackdaw
In "The Eagle and the Jackdaw," a Jackdaw, envious of the Eagle's strength, attempts to capture a ram to prove his prowess, only to become ensnared in the fleece. Captured by a shepherd, the Jackdaw learns a valuable lesson: pretending to be something one is not can lead to humiliation. This easy small story imparts a quick moral about the importance of accepting one's true nature rather than envying others.
The Pavior
In "The Pavior," a thought-provoking moral story, an Author attempts to inspire a weary Labourer hammering stones into a street pavement with lofty ideas of ambition and fame. However, the Labourer values his honest work and simple living over grand aspirations, highlighting the contrasting perspectives on ambition and the dignity of labor. This unique moral story serves as a reminder that fulfillment can be found in humility and hard work, making it an engaging read for young readers seeking short and sweet moral tales.
An Inadequate Fee
In "An Inadequate Fee," a trapped Ox enlists the help of a Political Pull, who rescues him from the mire but is left with only the Ox's skin as a reward. Discontent with this meager fee, the Political Pull vows to return for more, highlighting the lessons learned from stories about greed and the costs of assistance. This short moral story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the value of help received, even in challenging situations.
Related Collections
Other names for this story
Frog's Folly, The Inflated Frog, Size Matters, The Overambitious Frog, The Frog's Hubris, Swollen Pride, Frog vs. Ox, The Bursting Ambition
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the dangers of pride and the folly of trying to impress others beyond one's natural limits, as the old Frog's desire to appear larger ultimately leads to his demise. It serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of self-conceit and the importance of recognizing one's true abilities.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.