Section 98

The Stag at the Pool explained simply

Aesop's Fables by Aesop

Original excerpt

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A thirsty Stag went down to a pool to drink. As he bent over the surface he saw his own reflection in the water, and was struck with admiration for his fine spreading antlers, but at the same time he felt nothing but disgust for the weakness and slenderness of his legs. While he stood there looking at...
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A thirsty Stag went down to a pool to drink. As he bent over the surface he saw his own reflection in the water, and was struck with admiration for his fine spreading antlers, but at the same time he felt nothing but disgust for the weakness and slenderness of his legs. While he stood there looking at himself, he was seen and attacked by a Lion; but in the chase which ensued, he soon drew away from his pursuer, and kept his lead as long as the ground over which he ran was open and free of trees. But coming presently to a wood, he was caught by his antlers in the branches, and fell a victim to the teeth and claws of his enemy. "Woe is me!" he cried with his last breath; "I despised my legs, which might have saved my life: but I gloried in my horns, and they have proved my ruin." What is worth most is often valued least.

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What happens here

A stag admires his antlers and dislikes his legs, but the legs save him while antlers trap him.

Why this scene matters

This fable teaches that useful things may matter more than beautiful things.

Characters in this scene

  • Stag at the Pool: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.

Simple story version

The stag praises his horns and criticizes his legs. In danger, the legs help him run, while the horns catch in branches.