Section 178
The Wolf and the Goat explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Wolf caught sight of a Goat browsing above him on the scanty herbage that grew on the top of a steep rock; and being unable to get at her, tried to induce her to come lower down. "You are risking your life up there, madam, indeed you are," he called out: "pray take my advice...
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Public-domain original
A Wolf caught sight of a Goat browsing above him on the scanty herbage
that grew on the top of a steep rock; and being unable to get at her,
tried to induce her to come lower down. "You are risking your life up
there, madam, indeed you are," he called out: "pray take my advice and
come down here, where you will find plenty of better food." The Goat
turned a knowing eye upon him. "It's little you care whether I get
good grass or bad," said she: "what you want is to eat me."
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A short fable about The Wolf and The Goat shows how choices, assumptions, or desires can lead to consequences.
Why this scene matters
This fable matters because it turns a common human habit into a short lesson about judgment and consequences.
Characters in this scene
- The Wolf: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
- The Goat: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
Simple story version
In simple terms, The Wolf and The Goat face a small situation that reveals a larger lesson about behavior and consequences.