The Hare and the Hound
Story Summary
In the well-known moral story "The Hare and the Hound," a hound chases a hare but eventually gives up, prompting a goat-herd to mock him for losing the race. The hound explains that while he was only running for a dinner, the hare was running for his life, illustrating the difference in their motivations. This quick moral story serves as a classic example of fable stories with moral lessons, perfect for childhood stories with moral teachings.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that motivation can greatly influence the outcome of a challenge.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, highlights the theme of motivation and survival, illustrating how a creature's instinctual drive can surpass mere desire. Originating in ancient Greece, Aesop's fables have been retold across cultures, often conveying moral lessons through anthropomorphized animals. This particular story emphasizes the concept that the stakes of one's effort determine the intensity of their pursuit, a lesson that resonates in various cultural contexts throughout history.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the difference between motivation and survival, illustrating how stakes can change the intensity of effort. In modern life, consider a student preparing for a crucial exam versus someone studying for a less significant test; the former's higher stakes drive them to work harder and persevere, akin to the hare fleeing for its life while the hound runs for mere sustenance.
You May Also Like
An Optimist
In the story "An Optimist," two frogs trapped in the belly of a snake reflect on their fate, presenting a classic tale of storytelling with morals. While one frog bemoans their luck, the other humorously highlights their unique situation, suggesting they are not just victims but also the source of their sustenance, teaching lessons learned from stories about perspective and resilience. This bedtime moral story underscores the idea that even in dire circumstances, one can find a reason to remain optimistic.
The Ass and the Charger
In "The Ass and the Charger," a seemingly privileged Horse is envied by an Ass, who believes the Horse's life is easy and carefree. However, when the Horse is killed in battle while serving a soldier, the Ass learns a valuable lesson about the burdens hidden beneath a luxurious facade, illustrating the timeless moral stories that reveal the complexities of life. This engaging moral tale serves as a reminder that even those who appear to be well-cared-for face significant sacrifices, making it an ideal bedtime moral story for reflection.
The Birdcatcher the Partridge and the Cock
In "The Birdcatcher the Partridge and the Cock," a birdcatcher faces a moral dilemma when he must choose between a pleading tamed partridge and a young cock for dinner. Both birds highlight their unique contributions to his life, but ultimately, the birdcatcher's necessity for food trumps compassion, illustrating a thought-provoking moral about the conflicts between survival and empathy. This short tale serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes, even the best moral stories reveal the harsh realities of human choices.
Other names for this story
Hare's Escape, Hound's Pursuit, Life vs. Dinner, The Chase of Survival, Hare's Speed, Hound's Dilemma, Run for Life, The Relentless Chase
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of motivation and the differing stakes that drive individuals in a competition; while the hound runs for a meal, the hare's instinct for survival propels him to greater efforts, illustrating how the intensity of one's motivation can determine the outcome of a challenge.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.