Section 110
The Lion and the Wild Ass explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
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A Lion and a Wild went out hunting together: the latter was to run down the prey by his superior speed, and the former would then come up and despatch it. They met with great success; and when it came to sharing the spoil the Lion divided it all into three equal portions. "I will take the...
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Public-domain original
A Lion and a Wild went out hunting together: the latter was to run
down the prey by his superior speed, and the former would then come
up and despatch it. They met with great success; and when it came to
sharing the spoil the Lion divided it all into three equal portions.
"I will take the first," said he, "because I am King of the beasts; I
will also take the second, because, as your partner, I am entitled to
half of what remains; and as for the third--well, unless you give it
up to me and take yourself off pretty quick, the third, believe me,
will make you feel very sorry for yourself!"
Might makes right.
Public-domain original text shown for study context. Underlined terms can be tapped for simple reader notes.
What happens here
A lion and wild ass hunt together, but the lion keeps most of the reward.
Why this scene matters
This fable warns that partnership with the powerful may not mean fair sharing.
Characters in this scene
- Lion: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
- the Wild Ass: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
The lion and ass catch prey together. When it is time to divide, the lion takes the best portions for himself.