The Hunter and the Horseman
Story Summary
In this humorous story with a moral, a hunter captures a hare only to be tricked by a horseman who pretends to buy it but instead steals it and rides away. Despite the hunter's futile chase, he ultimately resigns himself to the situation and sarcastically offers the hare as a gift, highlighting the absurdity of the encounter. This very short moral story illustrates the importance of accepting one's losses with a sense of humor.
A certain hunter, having snared a hare, placed it upon his shoulders and set out for home. Along the way, he encountered a man on horseback who begged him for the hare, pretending that he wanted to buy it.
However, as soon as the horseman received the hare, he rode off as fast as he could. The hunter, determined to catch him, ran after the horseman, convinced he could overtake him. But the horseman only increased the distance between them.
Frustrated and against his better judgment, the hunter called out, "Get along with you! I will now make you a present of the hare!"
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that sometimes it is better to let go of what has been taken from you rather than wasting energy in pursuit.
Historical Context
This story is a fable that reflects themes of justice and cleverness, reminiscent of Aesop's Fables, which often feature animals and moral lessons. Originating in ancient Greece, fables like this one have been retold across cultures, illustrating human follies and virtues through simple narratives. The tale emphasizes the futility of revenge and the wisdom in letting go, common motifs in folklore that highlight the complexities of human behavior.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the futility of pursuing something that has already slipped away, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when to let go. In modern life, this can be seen in a scenario where someone invests significant time and effort into a failed business venture; rather than clinging to the loss, they may find greater success by redirecting their energy toward new opportunities.
You May Also Like
The Mouse the Frog and the Hawk
In this short story with moral, a Mouse befriends a mischievous Frog who binds their feet together and drags the Mouse into the water, leading to its drowning. The Frog, reveling in the water, meets a grim fate when a Hawk captures both the dead Mouse and itself. This humorous story illustrates that those who cause harm to others may ultimately suffer consequences themselves, making it a fitting tale for students seeking moral lessons.
The Judge and the Plaintiff
In this captivating moral story, a businessman awaits a court ruling against a railway company and, in a moment of levity, offers to split the potential damages with the judge. However, the judge, realizing his mistake, reveals that he has already ruled in the plaintiff's favor, prompting the businessman to retract his offer and express gratitude instead. This simple moral story highlights the importance of integrity and honesty in the face of temptation.
A Creaking Tail
In "A Creaking Tail," a determined American Statesman believes he has demonstrated his political power over the British Lion by twisting its tail, only to learn that the sound he heard was merely a sign that the Lion's tail needed oiling. This timeless moral story for students highlights the futility of the Statesman's actions, as the Lion's nonchalant response reveals that true strength is unaffected by superficial efforts. Through this short story, readers are reminded that not all struggles yield the expected results, making it an educational moral story that motivates reflection on the nature of power and influence.
Other names for this story
The Hunter's Revenge, The Hare Thief, The Chase for the Hare, The Stolen Prize, The Hunter's Dilemma, The Horseman's Escape, Hare and Horseman, The Gift of the Hunt
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of deception and the futility of chasing after what is already lost; the hunter's resigned acceptance of the horseman's theft illustrates how sometimes letting go can be more empowering than futile pursuit.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.