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 Camel
In "The Camel," an engaging moral tale from the top 10 moral stories, a man initially flees in fear from the creature's vast size. However, as he witnesses the camel's gentle nature, he gains confidence and learns to control it, illustrating that familiarity can help overcome dread. This thought-provoking moral story emphasizes the power of understanding and familiarity in overcoming fear.
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 Swollen Fox
In this famous moral story, a hungry fox indulges in bread and meat found in a hollow oak, only to become trapped due to his gluttony. Another fox advises him that he must wait until he loses weight to escape, illustrating the life-changing moral that moderation is key. This concise moral story serves as a reminder of the consequences of overindulgence.
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.