Section 271
The Hunter and the Woodman explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Hunter was searching in the forest for the tracks of a lion, and, catching sight presently of a Woodman engaged in felling a tree, he went up to him and asked him if he had noticed a lion's footprints anywhere about, or if he knew where his den was. The Woodman answered, "If...
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Public-domain original
A Hunter was searching in the forest for the tracks of a lion, and,
catching sight presently of a Woodman engaged in felling a tree, he
went up to him and asked him if he had noticed a lion's footprints
anywhere about, or if he knew where his den was. The Woodman answered,
"If you will come with me, I will show you the lion himself." The
Hunter turned pale with fear, and his teeth chattered as he replied,
"Oh, I'm not looking for the lion, thanks, but only for his tracks."
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A short fable about The Hunter and The Woodman shows how choices, assumptions, or desires can lead to consequences.
Why this scene matters
This fable matters because it turns a common human habit into a short lesson about judgment and consequences.
Characters in this scene
- The Hunter: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
- The Woodman: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
Simple story version
In simple terms, The Hunter and The Woodman face a small situation that reveals a larger lesson about behavior and consequences.