MF
MoralFables
AesopGreed

The Ass and His Shadow

In the simple short story "The Ass and His Shadow," a traveler hires an ass for transportation and seeks refuge from the intense heat under its shadow. A dispute ensues between the traveler and the ass's owner over who has the right to the shadow, escalating to a physical fight, during which the ass gallops away. This famous fable with moral illustrates that in quarreling over trivial matters, we often lose what is truly important, making it one of the best moral stories suitable for short bedtime stories with moral lessons.

2 min read
3 characters
The Ass and His Shadow - Aesop's Fable illustration about Greed, Conflict, Loss
2 min3
0:000:00
Reveal Moral

"In our disputes over minor matters, we may overlook and lose what truly matters."

You May Also Like

The Traveler and His Dog - Aesop's Fable illustration featuring Traveler and  Dog
responsibilityAesop's Fables

The Traveler and His Dog

In "The Traveler and His Dog," a traveler impatiently blames his dog for delaying their journey, believing the dog is not ready. However, the dog reveals that he has been waiting for the traveler, illustrating a key lesson learned from stories: those who procrastinate often misplace the blame on their more diligent companions. This captivating moral story serves as a reminder of the importance of taking responsibility for our own actions.

TravelerDog
responsibilityRead Story →
The Herdsman and the Lost Bull - Aesop's Fable illustration featuring Herdsman and  Bull-calf
greedAesop's Fables

The Herdsman and the Lost Bull

In this very short moral story, a herdsman vows to sacrifice a lamb to the forest deities if he discovers the thief of his lost Bull-calf. When he finds a Lion devouring the Calf, panic sets in, leading him to wish for a full-grown Bull instead, illustrating the theme of moral-based storytelling about the consequences of one's vows and the instinct for self-preservation. This inspirational short story serves as a quick read with a valuable lesson about facing fears and the weight of promises.

HerdsmanBull-calf
greedRead Story →
An Inadequate Fee - Aesop's Fable illustration featuring Ox and  Political Pull
exploitationAesop's Fables

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.

OxPolitical Pull
exploitationRead Story →

Quick Facts

Age Group
kids
children
story for class 2
story for class 3
story for class 4
Theme
Greed
Conflict
Loss
Characters
Traveler
Ass
Owner of the Ass

Subscribe to Daily Stories

Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.

Spin for a Story

Share