Section 175
The Stag and the Vine explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
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A Stag, pursued by the huntsmen, concealed himself under cover of a thick Vine. They lost track of him and passed by his hiding-place without being aware that he was anywhere near. Supposing all danger to be over, he presently began to browse on the leaves of the Vine. The mov...
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Public-domain original
A Stag, pursued by the huntsmen, concealed himself under cover of a
thick Vine. They lost track of him and passed by his hiding-place
without being aware that he was anywhere near. Supposing all danger to
be over, he presently began to browse on the leaves of the Vine. The
movement drew the attention of the returning huntsmen, and one of
them, supposing some animal to be hidden there, shot an arrow at a
venture into the foliage. The unlucky Stag was pierced to the heart,
and, as he expired, he said, "I deserve my fate for my treachery in
feeding upon the leaves of my protector."
Ingratitude sometimes brings its own punishment.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A Stag, pursued by the huntsmen, concealed himself under cover of a thick Vine.
Why this scene matters
This fable matters because it turns the lesson “Ingratitude sometimes brings its own punishment.” 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 Vine: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
Simple story version
A Stag, pursued by the huntsmen, concealed himself under cover of a thick Vine. They lost track of him and passed by his hiding-place without being aware that he was anywhere near.