The One-Eyed Doe
Story Summary
In this poignant short moral story, a one-eyed doe cleverly avoids land hunters by feeding on a high cliff, using her good eye to stay vigilant. However, her vulnerability is ultimately discovered, and she is shot from the sea, leading to the realization that one cannot escape their fate. This tale serves as a powerful reminder in the realm of bedtime moral stories, illustrating the inevitability of fate in our lives.
A doe had the misfortune of losing one of her eyes, which left her unable to see anyone approaching from that side. To avoid danger, she always fed on a high cliff near the sea, keeping her good eye directed towards the land. This strategy allowed her to see whenever hunters approached from the shore, and she often managed to escape as a result.
However, the hunters soon discovered that she was blind in one eye. They hired a boat and rowed beneath the cliff where she typically fed, ultimately shooting her from the sea. As she lay dying, she cried out, "Ah, you cannot escape your fate."
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that one cannot evade their fate, no matter how carefully they try to protect themselves.
Historical Context
This fable, reminiscent of Aesop's storytelling tradition, conveys themes of vulnerability, awareness, and the inevitability of fate. Aesop's Fables, originating in ancient Greece, often feature animals that embody human traits, imparting moral lessons that reflect the complexities of life and human nature. The story illustrates how even wise precautions can be rendered ineffective by unforeseen circumstances, a common motif in both ancient and contemporary retellings.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the inevitability of fate and the limitations of self-protection; no matter how we try to shield ourselves from danger, unforeseen threats can still arise. In modern life, this can be reflected in a scenario where an individual feels secure in their job due to strong performance and a good reputation, only to be unexpectedly laid off due to company restructuring—demonstrating that sometimes, despite our best efforts to control our circumstances, external factors can disrupt our lives.
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Other names for this story
The Blindside Doe, Fate of the One-Eyed Doe, The Cliffside Doe, Eyes of Fate, The Hunter's Trick, The Lost Eye, The Sea's Secret, A Doe's Last Stand
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of vulnerability and the inevitability of fate, highlighting how one's efforts to evade danger can sometimes lead to a more perilous situation; despite her cleverness in avoiding land-based hunters, the Doe's single blind spot ultimately becomes her downfall.
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