The Ass in the Lion Skin
Story Summary
In "The Ass in the Lion's Skin," a foolish ass dons a lion's skin to frighten other animals, but his true identity is revealed when he brays. This entertaining moral story illustrates that while appearances can be deceiving, one's true nature will ultimately shine through. The tale serves as a thought-provoking reminder that even the most unique disguises cannot conceal foolishness, as the Fox astutely points out.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Appearances can be deceiving, but true character is revealed through one's words and actions.
Historical Context
"The Ass in the Lion's Skin" is one of Aesop's fables, originating from ancient Greece around the 6th century BCE. This fable, like many others attributed to Aesop, conveys moral lessons about deception and self-awareness, illustrating that outward appearances can be misleading and that true character is revealed through one's actions and words. The story has been retold in various forms across cultures, emphasizing the universal themes of wisdom and folly.
Our Editors Opinion
In modern life, this fable reminds us that appearances can be deceiving, but true character is revealed through actions and words. For instance, a person might present themselves as an expert in a professional setting by wearing a sharp suit and using jargon, but if they fail to demonstrate genuine knowledge or insight, their superficiality will soon be exposed, just like the Ass in the lion's skin.
You May Also Like
The Wolf and the Horse
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.
The City of Political Distinction
In "The City of Political Distinction," a tale reminiscent of folklore and moral stories, Jamrach the Rich embarks on a journey fraught with tolls and demands from various characters, ultimately losing his wealth along the way. After enduring bizarre trials, including being towed across a lake of black ink, he arrives in a city where everyone looks the same, only to discover he cannot return home. This short moral story serves as an inspirational reminder of the cost of folly and the perils of misplaced trust.
The Ass and the Horse
In the engaging moral tale "The Ass and the Horse," an Ass requests a small portion of feed from a Horse, who promises to provide more later. However, the Ass doubts the sincerity of the Horse's promise, suggesting that those who refuse to help with simple requests are unlikely to offer greater favors in the future. This short moral story illustrates the simple lesson that true generosity is shown through immediate acts of kindness, not empty promises.
Other names for this story
Fool in Disguise, The Braying Beast, False Roar, The Ass in Disguise, The Lion's Costume, The Masquerading Ass, Deceptive Appearance, The Foolish Impersonator
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme that true identity cannot be hidden behind superficial appearances; no matter how one tries to present themselves, their true nature will ultimately be revealed through their actions and words. The cleverness of the Fox serves as a reminder that wisdom often sees through deception.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.