Section 221
The Wolf and the Horse explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Wolf on his rambles came to a field of oats, but, not being able to eat them, he was passing on his way when a Horse came along. "Look," said the Wolf, "here's a fine field of oats. For your sake I have left it untouched, and I shall greatly enjoy the sound of your teeth mun...
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Public-domain original
A Wolf on his rambles came to a field of oats, but, not being able to
eat them, he was passing on his way when a Horse came along. "Look,"
said the Wolf, "here's a fine field of oats. For your sake I have
left it untouched, and I shall greatly enjoy the sound of your teeth
munching the ripe grain." But the Horse replied, "If wolves could eat
oats, my fine friend, you would hardly have indulged your ears at the
cost of your belly."
There is no virtue in giving to others what is useless to oneself.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A Wolf on his rambles came to a field of oats, but, not being able to eat them, he was passing on his way when a Horse came along.
Why this scene matters
This fable matters because it turns the lesson “There is no virtue in giving to others what is useless to oneself.” into a compact story about everyday judgment.
Characters in this scene
- The Wolf: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
- The Horse: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
Simple story version
In simple terms, The Wolf and The Horse face a small situation that reveals a larger lesson about behavior and consequences.