The Wolf and the Horse
Story Summary
In "The Wolf and the Horse," a cunning Wolf attempts to deceive a Horse by claiming to have left a field of untouched oats for him. However, the Horse sees through the ruse, pointing out that if oats were suitable for the Wolf, he would have eaten them himself. This famous fable illustrates a powerful moral about how individuals with a bad reputation often struggle to be trusted, even when they try to perform good deeds, highlighting the impact of storytelling with morals in our understanding of character and trust.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Beware of the motives of those with a bad reputation, as their good deeds may be self-serving.
Historical Context
This fable mirrors themes found in Aesop's Fables, specifically the idea that past behavior taints present intentions. The story reflects a cultural skepticism toward those with dubious motives, suggesting that a history of deceit undermines trust, a concept prevalent in various folklore traditions worldwide. The moral warns against being easily swayed by seemingly benevolent actions from those with a history of wrongdoing, a lesson that resonates across cultures and has been retold in different forms throughout history.
Our Editors Opinion
In modern life, the story reminds us to be cautious of individuals with questionable motives, as their good actions may serve ulterior purposes. For instance, if a notorious scammer offers a charitable donation to gain public favor, people might remain skeptical, recognizing that past behavior often predicts future intentions.
You May Also Like
Two Dogs
In "Two Dogs," a dog, after suffering under human control, seeks a wagging tail from the Creator to express affection and gain acceptance, embodying a simple lesson from stories about resilience and love. Observing this transformation, a later-created Politician requests a similar gift, receiving a wagging chin which he uses for personal gain, demonstrating a moral about the differences in intentions behind gestures. This folklore offers valuable insights for kids, making it a fitting choice among moral stories for class 7 and short bedtime stories with moral teachings.
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 Wolf and the Goat
In "The Wolf and the Goat," a clever goat demonstrates her wisdom by refusing the wolf's deceitful invitation to descend from a steep precipice, where he falsely claims tender grass awaits. Understanding that his true intention is to feast on her, she showcases the importance of being wary of seemingly friendly offers. This impactful moral story serves as a reminder to trust our instincts and recognize the ulterior motives in others’ actions.
Other names for this story
Wolf's Deception, The Clever Horse, Oats of Deceit, Trusting the Wolf, The Horse's Wisdom, A Cunning Encounter, Feeding the Trust, The Trickster's Feast
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of skepticism towards the motives of those with a dubious reputation; even when they seem to act kindly, their past actions lead others to doubt their sincerity. It serves as a reminder that trust is hard to regain once it has been lost due to previous misdeeds.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.