The Swollen Fox

Story Summary
In this famous moral story, a hungry fox indulges in bread and meat found in a hollow oak, only to become trapped due to his gluttony. Another fox advises him that he must wait until he loses weight to escape, illustrating the life-changing moral that moderation is key. This concise moral story serves as a reminder of the consequences of overindulgence.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Indulgence can lead to entrapment; to escape difficult situations, one must often return to their original state.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes commonly found in ancient fables, particularly those attributed to Aesop, a Greek storyteller from the 6th century BCE. Aesop's fables often convey moral lessons through animal characters, using their experiences to illustrate human folly and wisdom. The tale of the hungry fox serves as a cautionary reminder about the consequences of overindulgence and the importance of self-control, a message that resonates across various cultures and has been retold in numerous adaptations throughout history.
Our Editors Opinion
This story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of overindulgence and the importance of moderation in modern life. Just like the fox who got stuck due to his greed, individuals today may find themselves trapped in unhealthy habits or lifestyles—such as excessive spending or binge eating—only to realize that change requires returning to a more balanced state. For instance, someone who indulges in lavish spending on luxury items might find themselves in financial trouble, needing to reassess their priorities and habits to regain control over their finances.
You May Also Like

The Lion the Mouse and the Fox
In "The Lion the Mouse and the Fox," a captivating moral story, a lion wakes in anger after a mouse runs across him, prompting a fox to mock his fear of such a small creature. The lion clarifies that it is not the mouse itself that troubles him, but the mouse's disrespectful behavior, illustrating the educational moral that even small offenses can be significant. This simple short story with moral teaches that little liberties are great offenses, making it a valuable addition to short tales with moral lessons.

The Ass the Cock and the Lion
In "The Ass the Cock and the Lion," a tale that embodies value-based moral stories, a Cock's loud crowing scares away a hungry Lion, instilling false confidence in the Ass. Believing he can confront the Lion, the Ass foolishly pursues him, only to be caught and killed. This short and sweet moral story teaches that misplaced bravery can lead to dangerous consequences, offering a valuable lesson in humility.

The Bull and the Goat
In "The Bull and the Goat," a thought-provoking moral story, a Bull seeking refuge from a Lion is unexpectedly attacked by a He-Goat in a cave. The Bull calmly asserts that his true fear lies with the Lion, not the Goat, illustrating the moral lesson about the evil disposition of those who take advantage of a friend in distress. This meaningful story with moral highlights the importance of recognizing true threats and the nature of malicious behavior.
Other names for this story
The Trapped Fox, The Greedy Fox, Fox in a Bind, The Hungry Fox's Dilemma, The Stuck Fox, Fox's Lesson in Moderation, The Fox and the Oak, The Overindulgent Fox
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of consequences stemming from overindulgence, illustrating how one's own actions can lead to difficult situations that require personal growth or change to resolve. The story serves as a metaphor for the idea that one must often return to a simpler state or mindset to escape the traps of excess.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.