Section 245
The Stag and the Lion explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Stag was chased by the hounds, and took refuge in a cave, where he hoped to be safe from his pursuers. Unfortunately the cave contained a Lion, to whom he fell an easy prey. "Unhappy that I am," he cried, "I am saved from the power of the dogs only to fall into the clutches...
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Public-domain original
A Stag was chased by the hounds, and took refuge in a cave, where he
hoped to be safe from his pursuers. Unfortunately the cave contained a
Lion, to whom he fell an easy prey. "Unhappy that I am," he cried, "I
am saved from the power of the dogs only to fall into the clutches of
a Lion."
Out of the frying-pan into the fire.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A Stag was chased by the hounds, and took refuge in a cave, where he hoped to be safe from his pursuers.
Why this scene matters
This fable matters because it turns the lesson “Out of the frying-pan into the fire.” into a compact story about everyday judgment.
Characters in this scene
- The Stag: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
- The Lion: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
Simple story version
A Stag was chased by the hounds, and took refuge in a cave, where he hoped to be safe from his pursuers. Unfortunately the cave contained a Lion, to whom he fell an easy prey.