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
The Cat and the Cock
In "The Cat and the Cock," a Cat captures a Cock and seeks a justification for eating him, accusing the Cock of disturbing men with his nighttime crowing. Despite the Cock's defense that his crowing helps men wake for their labors, the Cat dismisses his pleas, illustrating a big moral story about the disregard of reason in the face of predation. This short story with moral highlights the consequences of selfishness and the importance of understanding intentions in life-changing stories.
The Mourning Brothers
In the short story "The Mourning Brothers," an Old Man, sensing his death, challenges his sons to prove their sorrow by wearing weeds on their hats, promising his fortune to the one who endures the longest. After years of stubbornness, they agree to share the inheritance, only to discover that an Executor has taken control of the estate, leaving them with nothing. This tale, rich in folklore and moral lessons, highlights the consequences of hypocrisy and obstinacy, making it one of the best moral stories in short story collections.
The Hawk and the Nightingale
In the classic moral story "The Hawk and the Nightingale," a Hawk captures a Nightingale and dismisses his pleas for freedom, arguing that he would be foolish to forgo an easy meal for the uncertainty of pursuing larger prey. This short moral story illustrates the wisdom of valuing what is readily available rather than chasing after uncertain prospects. As with many small moral stories, it teaches a timeless lesson about the dangers of greed and the importance of appreciating the present.
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.