MoralFables.com

The Lion and the Hare

Moral story
1 min read
0 comments
The Lion and the Hare
0:000:00

Story Summary

In this creative moral story, a Lion encounters a sleeping Hare and, tempted by the sight of a passing Hart, abandons his sure meal for a chance at a larger prize. After a futile chase, he returns only to find the Hare has escaped, realizing too late that he lost both opportunities. This meaningful story teaches that sometimes, in pursuit of greater gains, we risk losing what we already possess.

Click to reveal the moral of the story

The moral of the story is that one should not forsake what they have in pursuit of something better, as it may lead to losing both.

Historical Context

This fable is attributed to Aesop, a storyteller from ancient Greece, whose tales often convey moral lessons through animal characters. The story reflects themes of greed and the consequences of forsaking immediate rewards for uncertain gains, a common motif in various cultures' folklore, including similar tales in the Panchatantra from India and medieval European adaptations. Aesop's fables have influenced literature and moral education across centuries, emphasizing the importance of prudence and the folly of overreaching ambition.

Our Editors Opinion

This fable highlights the importance of valuing what we already possess instead of risking it all for uncertain gains. In modern life, this can be reflected in a scenario where an employee neglects their stable job in pursuit of a supposedly better opportunity, only to find themselves without either when the new offer falls through. The moral reminds us that sometimes, holding onto what we have is wiser than chasing after what we might not obtain.

You May Also Like

The Hare and the Hound

The Hare and the Hound

In the well-known moral story "The Hare and the Hound," a hound chases a hare but eventually gives up, prompting a goat-herd to mock him for losing the race. The hound explains that while he was only running for a dinner, the hare was running for his life, illustrating the difference in their motivations. This quick moral story serves as a classic example of fable stories with moral lessons, perfect for childhood stories with moral teachings.

survival
perseverance
Hound
Hare
The Dogs and the Hides

The Dogs and the Hides

In "The Dogs and the Hides," a group of hungry dogs, frustrated by their inability to reach cowhides in a river, foolishly attempt to drink the river dry. Their overindulgence leads to their demise before they can even get to the hides, illustrating a simple lesson from stories about the dangers of attempting the impossible. This unique moral story serves as an inspirational short tale for children, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's limits.

greed
foolishness
Dogs
cowhides
The Lion and the Thorn

The Lion and the Thorn

In this engaging moral tale, a lion, grateful for a shepherd's help in removing a thorn from his foot, spares him after a meal. However, when the shepherd is falsely accused and sentenced to be fed to the lions, one lion recognizes him and claims him as his own, leading to the shepherd's demise at the hands of the very creature he once aided. This timeless moral story serves as a cautionary reminder of how past kindness can be repaid in unexpected ways.

betrayal
gratitude
Lion
Shepherd

Other names for this story

Lost Opportunities, The Lion's Regret, A Lesson in Choices, The Hare's Escape, The Chase of the Hart, The Price of Greed, When Hunger Strikes, The Cunning Escape

Did You Know?

This fable illustrates the theme of greed and the consequences of not appreciating what one already possesses; the Lion loses both the Hare and the opportunity to catch the Hart by prioritizing potential gain over what was already within his grasp.

Subscribe to Daily Stories

Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.

Explore More Stories

Story Details

Age Group
kids
children
story for class 2
story for class 3
story for class 4
Theme
greed
opportunity
consequences
Characters
Lion
Hare
Hart
Setting
forest
open ground

Share this Story