The Hunter and the Horseman
Story Summary
In this humorous story with a moral, a hunter captures a hare only to be tricked by a horseman who pretends to buy it but instead steals it and rides away. Despite the hunter's futile chase, he ultimately resigns himself to the situation and sarcastically offers the hare as a gift, highlighting the absurdity of the encounter. This very short moral story illustrates the importance of accepting one's losses with a sense of humor.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that sometimes it is better to let go of what has been taken from you rather than wasting energy in pursuit.
Historical Context
This story is a fable that reflects themes of justice and cleverness, reminiscent of Aesop's Fables, which often feature animals and moral lessons. Originating in ancient Greece, fables like this one have been retold across cultures, illustrating human follies and virtues through simple narratives. The tale emphasizes the futility of revenge and the wisdom in letting go, common motifs in folklore that highlight the complexities of human behavior.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the futility of pursuing something that has already slipped away, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when to let go. In modern life, this can be seen in a scenario where someone invests significant time and effort into a failed business venture; rather than clinging to the loss, they may find greater success by redirecting their energy toward new opportunities.
You May Also Like
Congress and the People
In "Congress and the People," a simple short story with moral lessons, the impoverished populace laments their losses to successive Congresses, weeping for all that has been taken from them. An Angel observes their sorrow and learns that, despite their despair, they cling to their hope in heaven—something they believe cannot be stripped away. However, this hope is ultimately tested with the arrival of the Congress of 1889, echoing themes found in famous fables with moral teachings about resilience and faith.
The Basking Cyclone
In "The Basking Cyclone," a man mistaking a sleeping alligator for a log humorously contemplates using it for shingles for his cabin. When he pokes the alligator, it awakens and splashes into the water, leaving the man astonished and exclaiming about the chaos as if a cyclone had swept away his roof. This entertaining moral story serves as a delightful short bedtime tale for young readers, imparting lessons on perception and surprise.
The Olive Tree and the Fig Tree
In "The Olive Tree and the Fig Tree," a classic among famous moral stories, the Olive Tree ridicules the Fig Tree for shedding its leaves with the seasons. However, when heavy snow falls, the Olive's lush branches break under the weight, leading to its demise, while the bare Fig Tree remains unharmed. This popular moral story illustrates that what may seem like a disadvantage can sometimes be a blessing, making it a valuable lesson in short moral tales and bedtime moral stories.
Other names for this story
The Hunter's Revenge, The Hare Thief, The Chase for the Hare, The Stolen Prize, The Hunter's Dilemma, The Horseman's Escape, Hare and Horseman, The Gift of the Hunt
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of deception and the futility of chasing after what is already lost; the hunter's resigned acceptance of the horseman's theft illustrates how sometimes letting go can be more empowering than futile pursuit.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.