Section 124

The Lion and the Three Bulls explained simply

Aesop's Fables by Aesop

Original excerpt

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Three Bulls were grazing in a meadow, and were watched by a Lion, who longed to capture and devour them, but who felt that he was no match for the three so long as they kept together. So he began by false whispers and malicious hints to foment jealousies and distrust among them. This stratagem succeeded so well...
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Public-domain original

Three Bulls were grazing in a meadow, and were watched by a Lion, who longed to capture and devour them, but who felt that he was no match for the three so long as they kept together. So he began by false whispers and malicious hints to foment jealousies and distrust among them. This stratagem succeeded so well that ere long the Bulls grew cold and unfriendly, and finally avoided each other and fed each one by himself apart. No sooner did the Lion see this than he fell upon them one by one and killed them in turn. The quarrels of friends are the opportunities of foes.

Public-domain original text shown for study context.

What happens here

A lion separates three bulls before attacking them one by one.

Why this scene matters

This fable teaches that unity protects people from stronger enemies.

Characters in this scene

  • Lion: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
  • the Three Bulls: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.

Simple story version

Three bulls are safe while they stay together. The lion turns them against each other and defeats them separately.