The Old Lion
Story Summary
In the short story "The Old Lion," a once-mighty lion, now frail and ill, faces attacks from various animals seeking revenge or asserting dominance, culminating in humiliation from an ass. His lamentation that enduring insults from such a lowly creature feels like a second death underscores the poignant moral of the tale: true dignity is often tested in moments of vulnerability. This concise moral story is a powerful addition to short story collections with moral teachings, reminding readers of the challenges faced in the twilight of power.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that even the mighty can be humiliated in their weakness, and it is particularly degrading to suffer indignities from those who are lesser.
Historical Context
This story is reminiscent of Aesop's fables, which often feature animals that embody human traits and convey moral lessons. Originating in ancient Greece, these tales have been retold across cultures and eras, emphasizing themes of power dynamics and the vulnerabilities that come with age. The lion, a symbol of strength and nobility, facing indignities from lesser creatures, underscores the universal truth about respect and the consequences of hubris.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the idea that when someone in a position of power becomes vulnerable, it often invites not only justified retaliation from their equals but also unprovoked attacks from those who have long been oppressed. In modern life, this can be seen in scenarios where a powerful leader or organization faces downfall; while critics may emerge to hold them accountable, they can also attract the scorn of those who have previously suffered under their rule, often leading to the final downfall of the once-mighty. For example, consider a CEO of a major corporation who, after years of unethical practices, faces legal troubles and public scrutiny. As rivals seek to capitalize on their weakened state and expose past wrongdoings, lesser-known employees or stakeholders also come forward with grievances,
You May Also Like
The Lion and the Fox
In "The Lion and the Fox," an engaging moral tale, a Fox partners with a Lion, helping him locate prey while the Lion captures it. Jealous of the Lion's share, the Fox decides to hunt independently but ultimately fails and becomes prey to hunters and their dogs. This short and sweet moral story reminds students that envy can lead to one's downfall.
The Goat and the Ass
In "The Goat and the Ass," a story often shared as a childhood tale with moral lessons, a Goat envies the Ass for its better food and persuades it to pretend to be ill to escape hard labor. The Ass follows this misguided advice, injuring itself in a ditch, which ultimately leads to the Goat being killed to treat the Ass's wounds. This culturally significant moral story illustrates the dangers of envy and the consequences of poor decisions, making it a valuable lesson for kids and students alike.
The Stag at the Pool
In this captivating moral story, a stag admires his impressive antlers while undervaluing his slender legs. When a lion pursues him, he realizes too late that his legs, which he despised, could have saved him, while his admired antlers led to his downfall. This impactful tale serves as a powerful reminder for young readers that what is truly valuable is often underrated.
Other names for this story
The Dying King, Last Roar of the Lion, The Fallen Monarch, Wounded Pride, Age of the Lion, A Lion's Lament, The Lion's Last Stand, When Kings Fall
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of vulnerability and the loss of respect that comes with decline; even the once-mighty lion, a symbol of strength and nobility, becomes a target for those who would never have dared to challenge him in his prime, highlighting how power dynamics shift in the face of mortality.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.
Explore More Stories
Story Details
- Age Group
- adultkidschildrenstory for class 2story for class 3story for class 4story for class 5story for class 6story for class 7story for class 8
- Theme
- the inevitability of declinethe cruelty of the strong towards the weakthe loss of dignity
- Characters
- LionBoarBullAss
- Setting
- forestgroundwilderness