The Bowman and Lion
Story Summary
In this entertaining moral story, a skilled bowman ventures into the mountains, striking fear into the hearts of all animals except for a brave lion. When the bowman shoots an arrow, declaring it a mere messenger of his true power, the lion, terrified by the attack, realizes that if such a fearsome threat can come from a distance, he cannot withstand the man himself. This quick read story imparts a valuable lesson for students about the dangers of underestimating those who can strike from afar.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is to be cautious of those who possess the ability to harm from afar, as their power can instill fear even before they make direct contact.
Historical Context
This story is reminiscent of fables attributed to Aesop, a Greek storyteller from the 6th century BCE, who often used animal characters to impart moral lessons. The theme of cunning versus brute strength, as well as the caution against underestimating the capabilities of others, reflects the cultural values of wisdom, strategy, and self-preservation prevalent in ancient storytelling traditions. This particular narrative also aligns with the genre of fables found in various cultures, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and awareness in the face of danger.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the importance of recognizing the power of indirect threats and the impact of one's reputation or capabilities in modern life. For example, in a professional setting, consider a skilled negotiator who, before a critical meeting, shares a compelling report detailing their past successes. Even before the meeting begins, their reputation instills fear in competitors, prompting them to reconsider their strategies, much like the Lion who feared the Bowman's arrow. This underscores the lesson to respect the power of those who can affect outcomes from afar, whether through skill, influence, or reputation.
You May Also Like
The Lion and the Statue
In "The Lion and the Statue," a Man and a Lion engage in a humorous debate over their strengths, with the Man claiming superiority due to human intelligence. To support his argument, he points to a statue of Hercules defeating a Lion; however, the Lion cleverly counters that the statue is biased, created by a man to reflect his perspective. This inspirational short story with moral highlights how representations can be manipulated, reminding us that truth can be subjective in small moral stories.
The Wild Boar and the Fox
In "The Wild Boar and the Fox," a Wild Boar sharpens his tusks despite the absence of immediate danger, illustrating the value of preparedness. When a passing Fox questions his actions, the Boar emphasizes the importance of being ready for potential threats rather than waiting until it's too late—a thought-provoking lesson found in many concise moral stories. This short story with moral serves as a reminder that proactive measures can prevent dire situations, making it a noteworthy addition to any short story collection with moral themes.
The Fox the Cock and the Dog
In "The Fox the Cock and the Dog," a clever Fox tries to deceive a Cock with the news of a universal truce, claiming that all beasts will coexist peacefully. However, when the Cock mentions the approaching Dog, the Fox quickly retreats, illustrating how cunning can backfire. This classic fable, part of impactful moral stories, teaches that those who attempt to trick others may end up ensnared by their own deceit.
Other names for this story
The Archer and the Beast, The Fearful Messenger, Lion's Dilemma, The Marksman and the Lion, Courage Against Distance, The Lion's Retreat, Bow and Claw, The Fearless Bowman
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of fear and the perception of strength; the Lion is more intimidated by the Bowman’s arrow than by the man himself, illustrating how the potential threat of a skillful adversary can invoke greater fear than the actual confrontation. It serves as a reminder that appearances and the means of attack can significantly influence a creature's (or person's) response to danger.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.