Section 37
The Gnat and the Bull explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Gnat alighted on one of the horns of a Bull, and remained sitting there for a considerable time. When it had rested sufficiently and was about to fly away, it said to the Bull, "Do you mind if I go now?" The Bull merely raised his eyes and remarked, without interest, "It's all one to me; I...
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Public-domain original
A Gnat alighted on one of the horns of a Bull, and remained sitting
there for a considerable time. When it had rested sufficiently and was
about to fly away, it said to the Bull, "Do you mind if I go now?" The
Bull merely raised his eyes and remarked, without interest, "It's all
one to me; I didn't notice when you came, and I shan't know when you
go away."
We may often be of more consequence in our own eyes than in the
eyes of our neighbours.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A gnat thinks the bull cares about his presence, but the bull barely notices him.
Why this scene matters
This fable shows that we may imagine ourselves more important to others than we are.
Characters in this scene
- Gnat: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
- the Bull: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
A gnat sits on a bull and politely announces he is leaving. The bull says he did not notice the arrival or departure.