The Doe and the Lion
Story Summary
In "The Doe and the Lion," a doe fleeing hunters discovers a life-changing truth as she seeks refuge in a lion's cave, only to be attacked and killed by the very beast she thought would save her. This poignant tale serves as a cautionary reminder for young readers that in avoiding one danger, one must be wary of falling into a greater peril. Through folklore and moral stories like this, we learn valuable lessons for personal growth and the importance of careful decision-making in life.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
In trying to escape one danger, be wary of inadvertently falling into a greater peril.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, reflects the ancient Greek tradition of using animal characters to convey moral lessons about human behavior and the dangers of making hasty decisions. The story highlights the theme of seeking refuge from one danger only to encounter a greater threat, a moral that resonates across cultures and has been retold in various forms throughout history, including in medieval bestiaries and later adaptations in literature. Aesop's fables have been influential in shaping moral storytelling, emphasizing the importance of caution and discernment in the face of peril.
Our Editors Opinion
The story of the Doe and the Lion serves as a poignant reminder in modern life to carefully evaluate our choices and the potential consequences of our actions, particularly when seeking safety or refuge. For instance, someone might leave a toxic work environment in search of a healthier culture, only to find themselves in an even more harmful situation with a manipulative boss in a new job, illustrating the need for discernment in decision-making.
You May Also Like
The Ass in the Lion Skin
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.
The Lark and Her Young Ones
In this entertaining moral story, a Lark and her chicks learn the importance of self-reliance when the owner of their wheat field decides to harvest himself instead of relying on neighbors. Initially unconcerned, the mother Lark realizes the seriousness of the situation and prepares to move her young ones to safety, illustrating the life-lesson that self-help is the best help. This fable exemplifies the valuable lessons learned from stories that emphasize the importance of taking initiative in challenging times.
The Cat and the Mice
In this simple moral story, a Cat enters a house overrun by Mice and captures them one by one, prompting the remaining Mice to stay hidden. To lure them out, she pretends to be dead, but one clever Mouse warns that those who have been deceived will always remain cautious. This famous moral story teaches a valuable life lesson about the importance of vigilance after being tricked.
Other names for this story
"Escape Gone Wrong, The Doe's Fatal Choice, From Hunters to Predators, A Doe's Dilemma, Caught Between Beasts, The Cave of Deception, Misplaced Trust, The Perilous Refuge"
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of seeking safety, where the Doe's attempt to escape one danger leads her to a greater peril, emphasizing the importance of carefully considering the choices we make in times of crisis. It serves as a cautionary tale about how sometimes, in fleeing from one threat, we may inadvertently expose ourselves to a worse one.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.