The Stag at the Pool
Story Summary
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.
A stag, overpowered by the heat of the day, came to a spring to quench his thirst. As he drank, he caught sight of his own reflection in the water and was captivated by the impressive size and ornate variety of his antlers. However, he soon felt a wave of anger towards himself for possessing such slender and seemingly weak legs.
While he was lost in self-admiration, a lion suddenly appeared at the pool, crouching low and preparing to pounce. Instinctively, the stag took flight. He exerted all his strength and, while the terrain was smooth and open, he managed to maintain a safe distance from the pursuing lion. However, as he entered a dense wood, his magnificent antlers became entangled in the branches. In that moment of vulnerability, the lion quickly caught up to him.
Realizing his grave mistake too late, the stag lamented, "Woe is me! How I have deceived myself! These legs, which could have saved me, I despised, while I gloried in these antlers that have led to my downfall."
This tale reminds us that what is truly valuable is often underestimated.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that true value lies in qualities we often overlook, while superficial attributes can lead to our downfall.
Historical Context
This fable is attributed to Aesop, a figure from ancient Greece who is believed to have lived around the 6th century BCE. Aesop's Fables, a collection of moral tales featuring anthropomorphized animals, have been retold and adapted throughout history, embodying timeless lessons about human nature and values. The moral of this particular fable reflects a common theme in various cultures: the importance of recognizing and valuing one's true strengths rather than being seduced by superficial attributes.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the modern tendency to overlook our true strengths while fixating on superficial attributes, reminding us that what we often undervalue can be our greatest asset. For instance, in a job interview, a candidate might focus excessively on their impressive degree rather than emphasizing their adaptability and problem-solving skills, only to later realize that these soft skills are what employers truly value and seek in a team member.
You May Also Like
The Wolf and the Fox
In "The Wolf and the Fox," a large and strong Wolf, believing himself honored by his fellow wolves when they call him "Lion," foolishly abandons his kind to live among lions. An observant old Fox comments on the Wolf's pride, pointing out that despite his size, he will always be merely a wolf in a herd of lions. This entertaining moral story serves as a life-changing reminder of the dangers of self-conceit and the importance of recognizing one's true nature in the realm of popular moral stories for adults.
The Lion the Fox and the Ass
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.
The Doe and the Lion
In "The Doe and the Lion," a doe fleeing hunters discovers a life-changing truth as she seeks refuge in a lion's cave, only to be attacked and killed by the very beast she thought would save her. This poignant tale serves as a cautionary reminder for young readers that in avoiding one danger, one must be wary of falling into a greater peril. Through folklore and moral stories like this, we learn valuable lessons for personal growth and the importance of careful decision-making in life.
Other names for this story
Reflections of Vanity, The Stag's Dilemma, Shadows of Pride, The Price of Pride, Strength in Humility, The Stag's Lesson, Antlers and Agony, The Fatal Flaw
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the irony of self-perception, where the Stag's admiration for his impressive antlers ultimately leads to his downfall, while the overlooked strength of his legs could have ensured his survival, illustrating that true value often lies in qualities that are easily dismissed.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.