Library / Aesop’s Fables

The Camel

A fable attributed to Aesop

Save
The Camel

When man first saw the camel, he was so frightened by its vast size that he ran away in terror. However, after some time, he began to notice the meekness and gentleness of the beast's demeanor. Summoning his courage, he approached the camel cautiously.

Soon afterwards, realizing that the camel was an animal lacking in spirit, he grew bolder. He put a bridle in the camel's mouth and allowed a child to drive him. This experience taught him that familiarity can often help overcome initial fears and dread.

The moral
Familiarity can transform fear into confidence, allowing us to harness what once intimidated us.

Discussion questions

  1. What were the man's initial thoughts about the camel, and how did they change?
  2. Can you think of a time when you were afraid of something, and how familiarity helped you overcome that fear?
  3. How does 'The Camel' compare to other famous fables with moral lessons?

Advertisement

Read it in another language

Good night.

Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane