The Dog Who Lost His Prey for a Shadow
Story Summary
In Aesop's classic moral story, "The Dog Who Lost His Prey for a Shadow," a dog foolishly drops its actual prey to chase after its reflection in the water, nearly drowning in the process. This entertaining tale serves as a cautionary lesson on the dangers of greed and the deception of appearances, making it a standout in short story collections with moral lessons for young readers. Aesop's fables remain among the top 10 moral stories, highlighting timeless truths about human nature.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that in pursuit of illusions or superficial gains, one may lose what is truly valuable.
Historical Context
The fable of "The Dog Who Lost His Prey for a Shadow" is attributed to Aesop, a Greek storyteller from the 6th century BCE, known for imparting moral lessons through simple narratives featuring animals. This story reflects a universal theme found in folklore across cultures, warning against the folly of greed and the illusion of desire, as seen in similar tales from Indian and Persian traditions. Aesop's fables have been retold throughout history, influencing literature and moral teachings in various societies.
Our Editors Opinion
The story of "The Dog Who Lost His Prey for a Shadow" reminds us that in our pursuit of superficial gains or illusions—like social media validation or material wealth—we risk losing what truly matters in life. For instance, a professional who prioritizes a high-paying job over meaningful relationships may find themselves lonely and unfulfilled, having sacrificed genuine connections for the fleeting allure of status and success.
You May Also Like
A Prophet of Evil
In "A Prophet of Evil," an undertaker encounters a gravedigger who reveals that his union, the Gravediggers' National Extortion Society, is limiting the number of graves to increase profits. The undertaker warns that if people cannot secure graves, they may stop dying altogether, which could have dire consequences for civilization. This engaging moral tale highlights the absurdities of prioritizing profit over essential human needs, making it a thought-provoking addition to the realm of life-changing stories with moral lessons.
The Traveler and His Dog
In "The Traveler and His Dog," a traveler impatiently blames his dog for delaying their journey, believing the dog is not ready. However, the dog reveals that he has been waiting for the traveler, illustrating a key lesson learned from stories: those who procrastinate often misplace the blame on their more diligent companions. This captivating moral story serves as a reminder of the importance of taking responsibility for our own actions.
The Woman and Her Hen
In this famous moral story, a woman who owned a hen that laid an egg daily became greedy, hoping to receive two eggs by feeding the hen extra barley. Instead, her actions backfired as the hen grew fat and stopped laying eggs altogether, leaving her with nothing. This uplifting moral story serves as a life lesson: greed can lead to unexpected consequences, reminding us to appreciate what we have.
Other names for this story
Chasing Shadows, The Dog and the Reflection, Lost in the Water, Shadows of Desire, The Illusion of Prey, Drowning for a Dream, Reflection's Deceit, The Fickle Nature of Prey
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the dangers of greed and distraction, emphasizing how pursuing illusions can lead to losing what we genuinely possess. The story serves as a timeless reminder to value what we have rather than being seduced by the false allure of superficial gains.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.