Loading...
The Herdsman and the Lost Bull
Fable
2 min read
0 comments
0:000:00
Story Summary
In this very short moral story, a herdsman vows to sacrifice a lamb to the forest deities if he discovers the thief of his lost Bull-calf. When he finds a Lion devouring the Calf, panic sets in, leading him to wish for a full-grown Bull instead, illustrating the theme of moral-based storytelling about the consequences of one's vows and the instinct for self-preservation. This inspirational short story serves as a quick read with a valuable lesson about facing fears and the weight of promises.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that people often make vows in desperation, but when faced with true danger, their priorities shift dramatically.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes found in ancient fables and folklore, often attributed to Aesop, a Greek storyteller known for imparting moral lessons through animal characters and human-like dilemmas. The narrative encapsulates the human tendency to negotiate with the divine in times of crisis, drawing on cultural beliefs in the protective powers of deities such as Hermes and Pan, who were revered in ancient Greek religion for their roles as guardians of nature and the pastoral world. This tale also illustrates the irony of human desires and fears, a common motif in ancient storytelling that highlights the unpredictable nature of fate and fortune.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the human tendency to prioritize self-preservation over promises made in times of desperation. In modern life, one might see a parallel in a corporate employee who, after vowing to take ethical action if they could secure a promotion, compromises their values when faced with the threat of job loss or intense competition. In a real-life scenario, an employee may initially pledge to report unethical practices within the company but chooses to remain silent when they realize that whistleblowing could jeopardize their job security.
You May Also Like
The Eligible Son-in-Law
In "The Eligible Son-in-Law," a pious banker is approached by a shabby man seeking a loan of one hundred thousand dollars, claiming he will soon marry the banker's daughter, presenting this as the best security. The banker, unable to see the flaw in this scheme of mutual benefit, agrees to the loan, illustrating the themes often found in short moral tales that emphasize the importance of discernment and the potential pitfalls of blind trust. This folklore-like story serves as a motivational tale for personal growth, reminding readers to critically assess promises that seem too good to be true.
greed
deception
Truly Pious Person
Tatterdemalion
The All Dog
In "The All Dog," a lion finds humor in the small size of a poodle, mockingly questioning its stature. The poodle, however, responds with dignified confidence, asserting that despite its size, it represents the essence of being a dog. This entertaining moral story highlights that true worth is not defined by size, making it a valuable lesson for young readers in moral stories for class 7.
self-identity
dignity
Lion
Poodle
The Lion and the Fox
In "The Lion and the Fox," an engaging moral tale, a Fox partners with a Lion, helping him locate prey while the Lion captures it. Jealous of the Lion's share, the Fox decides to hunt independently but ultimately fails and becomes prey to hunters and their dogs. This short and sweet moral story reminds students that envy can lead to one's downfall.
jealousy
betrayal
Fox
Lion
Other names for this story
The Lost Calf, The Herdsman's Dilemma, The Thief in the Forest, A Vow to the Guardians, The Bull and the Lion, The Quest for the Calf, A Herdsman's Sacrifice, The Stolen Bull Mystery
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of human nature's tendency to prioritize self-preservation over promises made in desperation, illustrating how fear can quickly alter one's intentions and values when faced with a real threat.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.