The Ass in the Lion Skin
Story Summary
In "The Ass in the Lion's Skin," a foolish ass dons a lion's skin to frighten other animals, but his true identity is revealed when he brays. This entertaining moral story illustrates that while appearances can be deceiving, one's true nature will ultimately shine through. The tale serves as a thought-provoking reminder that even the most unique disguises cannot conceal foolishness, as the Fox astutely points out.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Appearances can be deceiving, but true character is revealed through one's words and actions.
Historical Context
"The Ass in the Lion's Skin" is one of Aesop's fables, originating from ancient Greece around the 6th century BCE. This fable, like many others attributed to Aesop, conveys moral lessons about deception and self-awareness, illustrating that outward appearances can be misleading and that true character is revealed through one's actions and words. The story has been retold in various forms across cultures, emphasizing the universal themes of wisdom and folly.
Our Editors Opinion
In modern life, this fable reminds us that appearances can be deceiving, but true character is revealed through actions and words. For instance, a person might present themselves as an expert in a professional setting by wearing a sharp suit and using jargon, but if they fail to demonstrate genuine knowledge or insight, their superficiality will soon be exposed, just like the Ass in the lion's skin.
You May Also Like
The Fox and the Stork
In this short moral tale, the Fox's unkindness towards the Stork, when he serves soup in a shallow dish that she cannot eat, leads to a clever lesson in reciprocity. When the Stork invites the Fox to dinner and serves a meal in a narrow-necked jar that the Fox cannot access, she illustrates the consequences of his actions. This big moral story teaches kids about the importance of treating others with kindness and fairness.
The Lion the Fox and the Ass
In the short moral story "The Lion, the Fox and the Ass," three animals agree to share the spoils of a hunt. After the Ass is devoured by the Lion for dividing the loot equally, the Fox wisely learns from this misfortune and takes the largest portion for himself when asked to divide the spoils. This tale, part of folklore and moral stories, emphasizes the importance of learning from others' experiences, making it a fitting choice for bedtime moral stories.
The Horse and the Ass
In the humorous story "The Horse and the Ass," a rude horse ignores his overloaded companion's pleas for help, only to find himself burdened with the entire load when the ass collapses. This motivational tale serves as an inspirational short story with a moral, highlighting the importance of sharing each other's struggles, lest we face the consequences alone. Ultimately, it reminds us that in the top 10 moral stories, the lesson is clear: neglecting the troubles of others can lead to our own downfall.
Other names for this story
Fool in Disguise, The Braying Beast, False Roar, The Ass in Disguise, The Lion's Costume, The Masquerading Ass, Deceptive Appearance, The Foolish Impersonator
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme that true identity cannot be hidden behind superficial appearances; no matter how one tries to present themselves, their true nature will ultimately be revealed through their actions and words. The cleverness of the Fox serves as a reminder that wisdom often sees through deception.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.