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The Herdsman and the Lost Bull

Fable
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The Herdsman and the Lost Bull
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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.

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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.

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Story Details

Age Group
adult
kids
children
story for class 4
story for class 5
story for class 6
story for class 7
story for class 8
Theme
greed
fear
sacrifice
Characters
Herdsman
Bull-calf
Lion
Hermes
Pan
Guardian Deities of the forest
Setting
forest
hillock

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