Section 14
The Bat and the Weasels explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Bat fell to the ground and was caught by a Weasel, and was just going to be killed and eaten when it begged to be let go. The Weasel said he couldn't do that because he was an enemy of all birds on principle. "Oh, but," said the Bat, "I'm not a bird at all: I'm a...
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Public-domain original
A Bat fell to the ground and was caught by a Weasel, and was just
going to be killed and eaten when it begged to be let go. The Weasel
said he couldn't do that because he was an enemy of all birds on
principle. "Oh, but," said the Bat, "I'm not a bird at all: I'm a
mouse." "So you are," said the Weasel, "now I come to look at you";
and he let it go. Some time after this the Bat was caught in just the
same way by another Weasel, and, as before, begged for its life. "No,"
said the Weasel, "I never let a mouse go by any chance." "But I'm not
a mouse," said the Bat; "I'm a bird." "Why, so you are," said the
Weasel; and he too let the Bat go.
Look and see which way the wind blows before you commit yourself.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A bat escapes two enemies by claiming to be whichever kind of creature they do not hate.
Why this scene matters
This fable shows how quick adaptation can save someone in danger.
Characters in this scene
- Bat: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
- the Weasels: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
A bat is caught by enemies at different times. He changes how he describes himself and survives both meetings.