The Wolf in Sheeps Clothing

Story Summary
In this easy small story with a moral, a Wolf disguises himself in sheep's clothing to deceive the shepherd and gain access to the flock. However, his plan backfires when the shepherd, mistaking him for a sheep, kills him instead. This life-changing story illustrates that those who seek to harm others often end up facing harm themselves, reminding us of the importance of integrity.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that deceit ultimately leads to one's own downfall.
Historical Context
"The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" is a fable attributed to Aesop, a storyteller from ancient Greece, whose works have been passed down through generations, often retold with moral lessons. This tale reflects themes of deception and the consequences of harmful intentions, resonating through various cultural adaptations, including versions in medieval European literature and modern children's storytelling. The moral, often summarized as "harm seek, harm find," serves as a cautionary reminder about the dangers of deceit.
Our Editors Opinion
The tale of "The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" serves as a cautionary reminder in modern life about the dangers of deceit and the eventual consequences of one's actions. For instance, in a corporate setting, an employee who pretends to be a cooperative team player while undermining colleagues may initially thrive, but ultimately faces exposure and downfall when their true motives come to light, demonstrating that dishonesty often leads to self-destruction.
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Other names for this story
Cunning Disguise, Deceptive Appearance, The Hidden Predator, Fleece of Deceit, The Sheep's Betrayal, Cloaked in Wool, The Masked Hunter, The False Innocent
Did You Know?
The story of "The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" illustrates the theme of deception and the idea that those who seek to harm others may ultimately fall victim to their own tricks, emphasizing the moral that deceit can lead to one's downfall.
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