MoralFables.com

The Stag who Admired his Reflection

Fable
2 min read
0 comments
The Stag who Admired his Reflection
0:000:00

Story Summary

In this fable, a vain stag admires his beautiful antlers while lamenting his slender legs, believing the former to be more valuable. When a bloodhound pursues him, he discovers that his prized antlers hinder his escape, illustrating the simple moral that valuing beauty over utility can lead to one's downfall. This entertaining moral story serves as a reminder that what we often regard as beautiful may ultimately bring us strife, while the useful, though overlooked, is essential for survival.

Click to reveal the moral of the story

The moral of the story is that valuing superficial beauty over practical utility can lead to one's downfall.

Historical Context

The story of "The Stag Who Admired His Reflection" reflects themes found in Aesop's Fables, which often convey moral lessons about vanity and the consequences of prioritizing superficial beauty over practicality. Originating from ancient Greece, Aesop's tales have been retold across cultures, emphasizing universal truths about human nature, such as the folly of valuing appearance over functionality. This fable serves as a poignant reminder of how excessive pride can lead to one's downfall, a sentiment echoed in various cultures throughout history.

Our Editors Opinion

In modern life, this story serves as a reminder that an obsession with superficial beauty can lead to neglecting our essential attributes and skills, ultimately putting us at a disadvantage. For instance, a young professional might focus so intently on their appearance and brand image to gain recognition, overlooking the importance of developing their skills and competence, which could leave them unprepared when faced with real challenges in their career.

You May Also Like

The Kingdom of the Lion

The Kingdom of the Lion

In "The Kingdom of the Lion," a just and gentle Lion unites the beasts of the field and forest with a proclamation for a universal league, promising peace among all creatures, regardless of their strength. However, the instinctive fear of the Hare, who longs for safety yet flees in terror, underscores the challenges of true coexistence and highlights the moral complexities in this simple short story. This entertaining moral tale serves as a poignant reminder of the difficulties in achieving harmony, making it a fitting read for class 7.

justice
coexistence
Lion
Wolf
The Master's Eye

The Master's Eye

In "The Master's Eye," a stag seeks refuge in an oxen stable, promising the oxen valuable information about pastures in exchange for their secrecy. Despite their initial support, the stag is ultimately discovered by the overseer, leading to his demise, which highlights the importance of vigilance and the consequences of misplaced trust. This impactful moral story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the timeless lessons found in the top 10 moral stories and short stories with moral for adults.

betrayal
survival
stag
oxen
The Old Hound

The Old Hound

In "The Old Hound," a once formidable canine, now aging and infirm, struggles to catch a boar during a chase. Despite his valiant effort, the boar escapes, leading his master to scold him. The hound wisely explains that while his spirit remains strong, he deserves praise for his past rather than blame for his present, illustrating a poignant moral in this very short story.

Aging
Loyalty
Hound
Boar

Other names for this story

Reflections of Vanity, The Vain Stag's Dilemma, Beauty vs. Survival, The Stag's Reflection, Antlers and Agony, The Perils of Pride, The Stag's Downfall, When Beauty Betrays

Did You Know?

This fable highlights the paradox of vanity, illustrating how an obsession with superficial beauty can lead to one's downfall, as the stag's admiration for his impressive antlers ultimately hinders his survival. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of valuing functionality over mere aesthetics.

Subscribe to Daily Stories

Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.

Explore More Stories

Story Details

Age Group
kids
children
story for class 2
story for class 3
story for class 4
Theme
vanity
self-acceptance
the conflict between beauty and utility
Characters
Stag
Bloodhound
Setting
crystal pool
copse
forest

Share this Story