The Stag in the Ox-Stall
Story Summary
In this short story with moral, a Stag, chased by hounds, hides among oxen in a shed, believing he has found safety. Despite warnings from the Ox about the master’s keen observation, the Stag’s overconfidence leads to his capture when the master discovers him. This animal story with moral teaches the lesson that trusting in false security can lead to one's downfall, emphasizing the importance of being aware of real dangers for personal growth.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that one cannot escape danger by hiding among enemies, as true safety requires vigilance and awareness of the surrounding threats.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, reflects ancient Greek storytelling traditions that often conveyed moral lessons through animal characters. The themes of danger, misguided refuge, and the perils of naivety resonate across various cultures, leading to numerous retellings and adaptations throughout history, including in medieval bestiaries and Renaissance literature. The tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of seeking safety in the wrong places and the importance of being aware of one's surroundings.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable reminds us that seeking refuge in seemingly safe places can lead to greater dangers, especially when we trust those who may not have our best interests at heart. In modern life, this applies to scenarios such as relying on unfamiliar systems or institutions, like social media platforms for security or community, only to find ourselves vulnerable to exploitation or harm. For instance, a person may feel safe sharing personal information online, believing they are among friends, yet they could be exposing themselves to privacy violations or scams when the true nature of the platform is revealed.
You May Also Like
The Man and the Wart
In "The Man and the Wart," a humorous tale with an impactful moral, a man with a wart on his nose recruits others into a fictitious order, claiming its membership is rapidly expanding. When another afflicted person pays to avoid joining, the first man shamelessly returns to demand monthly dues, highlighting the folly of exploiting others' insecurities. This funny story serves as a culturally significant moral lesson about honesty and the consequences of greed.
The Horse seeking revenge on the Stag
In "The Horse Seeking Revenge on the Stag," a Horse, driven by a desire for vengeance, enlists the help of Man to capture a swift Stag. However, this pursuit of revenge ultimately leads to the Horse's loss of freedom and tragic demise, illustrating a powerful lesson from moral stories: seeking vengeance can come at a great cost, overshadowing what truly matters. This tale serves as one of the best moral stories for children, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness over retaliation.
The Judge and the Plaintiff
In this captivating moral story, a businessman awaits a court ruling against a railway company and, in a moment of levity, offers to split the potential damages with the judge. However, the judge, realizing his mistake, reveals that he has already ruled in the plaintiff's favor, prompting the businessman to retract his offer and express gratitude instead. This simple moral story highlights the importance of integrity and honesty in the face of temptation.
Other names for this story
The Stag's Hidden Peril, A Stag's Risky Refuge, The Oxen's Warning, In the Enemy's Den, The Stag's Narrow Escape, Danger in the Shed, The Stag's False Security, Hiding Among Oxen
Did You Know?
This story illustrates the theme of misplaced trust and the futility of seeking refuge among one's enemies, highlighting how fear can lead to poor decisions that ultimately result in one's downfall. The Stag's initial sense of safety blinds him to the true nature of his surroundings, emphasizing the danger of ignoring wise counsel.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.