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 Weasel and the Mice
In this simple short story with moral lessons, an old weasel, unable to catch mice due to his age, disguises himself in flour to deceive unsuspecting prey. As several mice fall victim to his trap, an experienced mouse recognizes the ruse and warns others, wishing that the weasel's deceit is matched by his own success. This meaningful story illustrates the consequences of trickery and the wisdom of those who have survived many dangers.
The Expatriated Boss
In "The Expatriated Boss," a boss in Canada is confronted by a Montreal citizen who accuses him of fleeing to escape prosecution. The boss defends his choice of Canada, citing its corrupt political environment, leading to an emotional reconciliation that highlights the themes of understanding and forgiveness. Through this simple moral story, readers are reminded of the importance of perspective and compassion, making it an educational moral story suitable for kids.
The Eagle and the Kite
In the fable "The Eagle and the Kite," a sorrowful Eagle, in search of a suitable mate, is deceived by the Kite's boastful claims of strength and ability to catch prey. After their marriage, the Kite fails to deliver on his promise, bringing only a worthless mouse instead of the promised ostrich, revealing the moral of the story: deceit can lead to disappointment. This tale illustrates the essence of moral-based storytelling found in well-known moral stories and animal stories with moral lessons.
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.