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 Two Soldiers and the Robber
In this captivating moral story, two soldiers face a robber, where one bravely stands his ground while the other cowardly flees. After the robber is defeated, the timid soldier boasts of his intentions to fight, only to be dismissed by his courageous companion, who imparts a heartwarming life lesson about the true nature of bravery and the unreliability of hollow words. This culturally significant tale reminds us that actions speak louder than words in the face of adversity.

The Man and the Wood
In "The Man and the Wood," a man enters a forest seeking a branch from the trees, who kindly oblige, unaware of his true intentions. He uses the branch to enhance his axe, ultimately cutting down the very trees that helped him, leaving them to regret their generosity. This captivating moral story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of misplaced trust, making it an entertaining read for students and adults alike.

The Shepherd and the Dog
In the short bedtime story "The Shepherd and the Dog," a shepherd nearly makes the mistake of penning a wolf with his sheep for the night. The wise Dog warns him that this decision endangers the safety of the flock, illustrating a simple lesson from stories about the importance of discernment. This moral story for kids emphasizes that not all companions are safe, a vital lesson in choosing who to trust.
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.