The Lion the Fox and the Ass

Story Summary
In the short moral story "The Lion, the Fox and the Ass," three animals agree to share the spoils of a hunt. After the Ass is devoured by the Lion for dividing the loot equally, the Fox wisely learns from this misfortune and takes the largest portion for himself when asked to divide the spoils. This tale, part of folklore and moral stories, emphasizes the importance of learning from others' experiences, making it a fitting choice for bedtime moral stories.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Learn from the mistakes of others to avoid suffering the same fate.
Historical Context
The fable of "The Lion, the Fox, and the Ass" is attributed to Aesop, an ancient Greek storyteller whose tales often feature anthropomorphic animals and convey moral lessons. This fable, like many of Aesop's works, serves as a commentary on the themes of power dynamics and survival, illustrating how wisdom can be gained through observing the consequences of others' actions. Its enduring legacy has led to numerous adaptations and retellings across cultures, emphasizing the importance of prudence and the dangers of naivety.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the importance of learning from the mistakes of others to navigate power dynamics and avoid detrimental outcomes in modern life. For instance, in a corporate setting, an employee may observe a colleague who was overly assertive and faced backlash from management; by choosing to adopt a more strategic and collaborative approach, they can secure their position and avoid similar pitfalls.
You May Also Like

A Valuable Suggestion
In "A Valuable Suggestion," a President of a Big Nation plans an extravagant naval demonstration to intimidate a Little Nation during a quarrel. However, after receiving a clever note revealing the Little Nation's awareness of the Big Nation's naval fleet, he wisely cancels the costly display, saving a billion dollars. This decision not only exemplifies the timeless moral of humility and understanding but also allows him to secure a favorable arbitration outcome, making it a compelling quick read story with moral lessons.

The Trees Under the Protection of the Gods
In "The Trees Under the Protection of the Gods," various deities select trees for their protection, favoring those that do not bear fruit to avoid the appearance of greed. Minerva advocates for the fruitful olive, leading Jupiter to impart a thought-provoking moral: true glory lies in usefulness, not superficial honor. This short and sweet moral story highlights the importance of impact over appearance, making it a compelling lesson on value and purpose.

The Manslayer
In "The Manslayer," a murderer fleeing from the victim's relatives desperately seeks refuge in a tree by the Nile, only to find a serpent waiting for him. In his panic, he jumps into the river, where a crocodile swiftly catches him, illustrating that nature offers no sanctuary for criminals. This short and moral story serves as a powerful reminder that wrongdoers cannot escape their fate, making it an inspirational short story with a clear moral.
Other names for this story
The Clever Fox's Lesson, The Lion's Ruthless Divide, A Fable of Survival, Wisdom from the Ass's Fate, The Fox's Smart Strategy, The Lion and the Art of Division, Lessons from the Jungle, The Ass's Mistake and the Fox's Wisdom
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the importance of learning from the mistakes of others, illustrating that wisdom often comes from observing the consequences of poor choices, as seen in the Fox's clever avoidance of the Ass's fate.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.