The Fawn and His Mother
Story Summary
In the folklore tale "The Fawn and His Mother," a young fawn questions why his larger and faster mother is afraid of hounds. She explains that despite her advantages, the mere sound of a dog terrifies her, highlighting the lesson that courage cannot be instilled in the inherently timid. This thought-provoking moral story serves as a quick read, reminding us that bravery is not solely determined by physical attributes.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Courage cannot be instilled through reasoning or advantages; it is an innate quality that varies among individuals.
Historical Context
This story echoes themes found in Aesop's Fables, a collection of moral tales attributed to the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop, who is believed to have lived around the 6th century BCE. The fable illustrates the idea that innate qualities and advantages do not guarantee bravery, reflecting a cultural understanding of fear and instinct in both human and animal behavior. Similar motifs of courage and fear appear in various folklore traditions, emphasizing the universal nature of these emotions.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the notion that external advantages do not always translate into inner strength or confidence, a lesson that resonates in our modern lives where anxiety and fear can overshadow our skills and capabilities. For instance, a highly qualified job candidate may freeze during an interview due to nerves, illustrating how even the most impressive qualifications can be rendered ineffective if one lacks the courage to assert themselves.
You May Also Like
The Shadow of the Leader
In "The Shadow of the Leader," a political leader is taken aback when his shadow unexpectedly detaches and races away. When he calls it back, the shadow cleverly retorts that if it were truly a scoundrel, it wouldn't have abandoned him, cleverly reflecting on the leader's own questionable character. This funny story with moral echoes themes found in popular moral stories, reminding us that our actions often reveal our true selves.
The Mirror
In this unique moral story, a Silken-eared Spaniel, mistaking his reflection for a rival dog, boasts about his prowess and rushes outside to confront it. However, when he encounters a Bulldog, his bravado crumbles, leading to a confused speech that terrifies him so much that he drops dead on the spot. This short and sweet moral story illustrates the dangers of misplaced confidence and the importance of recognizing one's true capabilities.
The Lion Jupiter and the Elephant
In this classic moral story, a Lion laments to Jupiter about his fear of a cock, wishing for death due to his perceived cowardice. However, after conversing with an Elephant who is terrified of a tiny gnat, the Lion realizes that even the mightiest creatures have their fears, leading him to accept his vulnerabilities and find peace in his own strength. This impactful tale serves as a reminder that everyone has their struggles, making it one of the meaningful stories with moral lessons.
Other names for this story
Fearful Fawn, Courage of the Fawn, The Fawn's Fear, Lessons from the Fawn, The Brave Mother, Swift and Fearful, The Cowardly Fawn, Motherly Wisdom
Did You Know?
This story highlights the theme that true courage cannot be measured by physical attributes or advantages; even the strongest can feel fear in the face of danger, illustrating the psychological nature of bravery. The fawn's innocent questioning underscores the often misunderstood relationship between strength and fear.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.