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The Lion and the Thorn
fable
2 min read
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Story Summary
In this engaging moral tale, a lion, grateful for a shepherd's help in removing a thorn from his foot, spares him after a meal. However, when the shepherd is falsely accused and sentenced to be fed to the lions, one lion recognizes him and claims him as his own, leading to the shepherd's demise at the hands of the very creature he once aided. This timeless moral story serves as a cautionary reminder of how past kindness can be repaid in unexpected ways.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that kindness can be repaid with betrayal, and one should be cautious in trusting those they help.
Historical Context
This story is a variant of a well-known fable attributed to Aesop, an ancient Greek storyteller whose tales often feature animals and moral lessons. Aesop's fables, including this one about the lion and the shepherd, explore themes of gratitude, betrayal, and the unpredictability of fate, serving as cautionary tales that reflect the complexities of human nature and societal dynamics in ancient cultures. The moral implications of the fable have resonated through various retellings and adaptations across different cultures, reinforcing the idea that acts of kindness can be met with unforeseen consequences.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the complexities of gratitude and the potential for betrayal in relationships, reflecting how acts of kindness can sometimes go unrecognized or even exploited. In modern life, a scenario could involve a colleague who assists a superior with a challenging project, only to later find themselves unfairly blamed for a mistake, highlighting the importance of being cautious about whom we trust and the potential consequences of our goodwill.
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Other names for this story
The Lion's Favor, Thorn of Betrayal, The Shepherd's Dilemma, A Thorny Favor, The Lion's Grateful Betrayal, The Price of Kindness, Thorn in the Paw, The Shepherd's Fate
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of gratitude and betrayal, illustrating how kindness can be forgotten or repaid with treachery, as the Lion ultimately prioritizes his own desires over the Shepherd's previous act of compassion. It serves as a cautionary tale about the unpredictable nature of loyalty and the potential for ingratitude in relationships.
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