The Ass's Brains
Story Summary
In the unique moral story "The Ass's Brains," a Lion and a Fox deceive an Ass into a meeting under the pretense of forming an alliance, leading to the Lion capturing the Ass for dinner. While the Lion naps, the cunning Fox eats the Ass's brains and cleverly justifies his actions by claiming the Ass must have been brainless for falling into the trap. This tale, often included in top 10 moral stories, teaches valuable lessons about wit and the consequences of naivety, making it a fitting narrative for moral stories for class 7.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that cunning and intelligence can often outsmart brute strength, and that those who lack wisdom may fall victim to their own naivety.
Historical Context
This fable, featuring the Lion and the Fox, is reminiscent of Aesop's Fables, which date back to ancient Greece around the 6th century BCE. The story reflects themes of cunning and deception, common in folklore across cultures, illustrating the interplay of intelligence and strength, and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of naivety. The clever resolution at the end highlights the importance of wit in overcoming brute force, a motif present in various retellings throughout history, including those in medieval European literature and later adaptations.
Our Editors Opinion
The story of "The Lion and the Fox" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trusting those who are more cunning and powerful, reminding us that alliances can often lead to betrayal. In modern life, this can be seen in scenarios such as corporate mergers, where a smaller company may be lured into a partnership with a larger firm, only to find themselves exploited and their unique contributions overlooked, much like the Ass who fell victim to the Lion's deceit.
You May Also Like
The Old Lion
In the short story "The Old Lion," a once-mighty lion, now frail and ill, faces attacks from various animals seeking revenge or asserting dominance, culminating in humiliation from an ass. His lamentation that enduring insults from such a lowly creature feels like a second death underscores the poignant moral of the tale: true dignity is often tested in moments of vulnerability. This concise moral story is a powerful addition to short story collections with moral teachings, reminding readers of the challenges faced in the twilight of power.
The Man and His Two Sweethearts
In this entertaining moral story, a middle-aged man courts two women—a younger one seeking youthfulness and an older one embarrassed by their age difference. Their attempts to modify his appearance lead to a comical outcome, as both women pull out all of his hair, leaving him completely bald. The tale serves as a simple moral story illustrating that trying to please everyone can ultimately result in losing everything.
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
The Lion's Deception, The Fox's Trickery, Dinner for Two, The Ass's Folly, Wit Over Might, Alliance Gone Wrong, The Brainless Ass, The Clever Fox's Feast
Did You Know?
This story illustrates the theme of cunning versus brute strength, highlighting how intelligence can outsmart raw power, as seen in the Fox's quick thinking when confronted by the Lion's wrath. The moral suggests that wisdom and wit are valuable traits, especially when dealing with more powerful adversaries.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.