The Two Fellows and the Bear
Story Summary
In this entertaining moral story, two travelers face a bear in the woods, leading one to hide in a tree while the other lies flat on the ground. After the bear leaves, the tree-dweller mocks his friend, only to learn a valuable lesson: never trust a friend who deserts you in a pinch. This short bedtime story highlights the importance of loyalty and the lessons learned from stories that resonate with readers.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
True friendship is tested in times of adversity, and those who abandon you in difficult moments cannot be trusted.
Historical Context
This story is a fable attributed to Aesop, a storyteller from ancient Greece known for imparting moral lessons through anthropomorphic tales. The narrative reflects themes of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal, common in Aesop's works, which have been retold and adapted across cultures for centuries, reinforcing their timeless relevance in moral education.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the importance of loyalty and trust in friendships, especially during challenging times. In modern life, a scenario might involve a colleague who abandons you during a critical project, leaving you to face the challenges alone; the experience serves as a reminder to value those who stand by you when times get tough, illustrating that true friendship is revealed in adversity.
You May Also Like
The Wild Ass and the Lion
In "The Wild Ass and the Lion," a Wild Ass and a Lion join forces to hunt in the forest, blending the Lion's strength with the Wild Ass's speed. However, after their successful hunt, the Lion claims the lion's share, asserting his dominance and threatening the Wild Ass, illustrating the life-changing moral that in the animal kingdom, "might makes right." This short and sweet moral story serves as a powerful reminder of how power dynamics shape fairness, making it one of the top 10 moral stories for children.
The Trees and the Axe
In "The Trees and the Axe," a man humorously asks the Trees for a young ash-tree to create a handle for his axe, which they willingly sacrifice. However, as he swiftly cuts down the forest's strongest giants, an old oak laments that their consent has led to their own demise, illustrating a powerful moral about the consequences of sacrificing one for the many. This short moral story serves as a poignant reminder for personal growth, emphasizing the importance of protecting one's rights to ensure collective survival.
A Harmless Visitor
At a meeting of the Golden League of Mystery, a woman was discovered taking notes and questioned about her presence. She initially claimed to be there for her own pleasure and instruction but revealed she was an officer of the Women's Press Association, leading to her acceptance and an apology from the organization. This entertaining moral story reflects the importance of honesty and the value of knowledge, making it a fitting tale for young readers seeking moral lessons.
Other names for this story
"Deserted by a Friend, The Bear Encounter, Trust Among Friends, Two Travelers and a Bear, The Lesson of the Bear, Friends in Danger, Betrayal in the Woods, The Hidden Traveler"
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of true friendship and loyalty, illustrating that those who abandon you in times of crisis are not trustworthy companions. It serves as a reminder to value relationships based on mutual support rather than superficial bonds.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.