The Old Lion
Story Summary
In the short story "The Old Lion," a once-mighty lion, now frail and ill, faces attacks from various animals seeking revenge or asserting dominance, culminating in humiliation from an ass. His lamentation that enduring insults from such a lowly creature feels like a second death underscores the poignant moral of the tale: true dignity is often tested in moments of vulnerability. This concise moral story is a powerful addition to short story collections with moral teachings, reminding readers of the challenges faced in the twilight of power.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that even the mighty can be humiliated in their weakness, and it is particularly degrading to suffer indignities from those who are lesser.
Historical Context
This story is reminiscent of Aesop's fables, which often feature animals that embody human traits and convey moral lessons. Originating in ancient Greece, these tales have been retold across cultures and eras, emphasizing themes of power dynamics and the vulnerabilities that come with age. The lion, a symbol of strength and nobility, facing indignities from lesser creatures, underscores the universal truth about respect and the consequences of hubris.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the idea that when someone in a position of power becomes vulnerable, it often invites not only justified retaliation from their equals but also unprovoked attacks from those who have long been oppressed. In modern life, this can be seen in scenarios where a powerful leader or organization faces downfall; while critics may emerge to hold them accountable, they can also attract the scorn of those who have previously suffered under their rule, often leading to the final downfall of the once-mighty. For example, consider a CEO of a major corporation who, after years of unethical practices, faces legal troubles and public scrutiny. As rivals seek to capitalize on their weakened state and expose past wrongdoings, lesser-known employees or stakeholders also come forward with grievances,
You May Also Like
The Kingdom of the Lion
In "The Kingdom of the Lion," a just and gentle Lion unites the beasts of the field and forest with a proclamation for a universal league, promising peace among all creatures, regardless of their strength. However, the instinctive fear of the Hare, who longs for safety yet flees in terror, underscores the challenges of true coexistence and highlights the moral complexities in this simple short story. This entertaining moral tale serves as a poignant reminder of the difficulties in achieving harmony, making it a fitting read for class 7.
The Mouse and the Bull
In this creative moral story, a Bull, enraged after being bitten by a Mouse, attempts to capture the tiny creature but ultimately fails, ending up perplexed and exhausted outside the Mouse's hole. Seizing the moment, the Mouse nibbles the Bull again, demonstrating that in animal stories with moral lessons, the small can indeed inflict harm on the seemingly mighty. This tale illustrates that strength does not always guarantee success, a valuable lesson for childhood stories with moral teachings.
The Pugilist's Diet
In "The Pugilist's Diet," a trainer seeks advice from a physician about a champion pugilist's diet, leading to a humorous exchange about the benefits of tougher cuts of meat. The physician suggests that while tender beef-steaks are more digestible, the tougher neck meat provides essential exercise for the fighter's chin, illustrating a valuable lesson in prioritizing strength over comfort. This uplifting moral story combines humor and wisdom, making it an educational read for young readers interested in folklore and moral tales.
Other names for this story
The Dying King, Last Roar of the Lion, The Fallen Monarch, Wounded Pride, Age of the Lion, A Lion's Lament, The Lion's Last Stand, When Kings Fall
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of vulnerability and the loss of respect that comes with decline; even the once-mighty lion, a symbol of strength and nobility, becomes a target for those who would never have dared to challenge him in his prime, highlighting how power dynamics shift in the face of mortality.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.
Explore More Stories
Story Details
- Age Group
- adultkidschildrenstory for class 2story for class 3story for class 4story for class 5story for class 6story for class 7story for class 8
- Theme
- the inevitability of declinethe cruelty of the strong towards the weakthe loss of dignity
- Characters
- LionBoarBullAss
- Setting
- forestgroundwilderness