Section 30
The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Wolf resolved to disguise himself in order that he might prey upon a flock of sheep without fear of detection. So he clothed himself in a sheepskin, and slipped among the sheep when they were out at pasture. He completely deceived the shepherd, and when the flock was penned for the night he was shut in with...
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Public-domain original
A Wolf resolved to disguise himself in order that he might prey upon a
flock of sheep without fear of detection. So he clothed himself in a
sheepskin, and slipped among the sheep when they were out at pasture.
He completely deceived the shepherd, and when the flock was penned
for the night he was shut in with the rest. But that very night as it
happened, the shepherd, requiring a supply of mutton for the table,
laid hands on the Wolf in mistake for a Sheep, and killed him with his
knife on the spot.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A wolf disguises himself as a sheep to get close to the flock.
Why this scene matters
This fable warns that dangerous people may hide behind harmless appearances.
Characters in this scene
- Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
A wolf wears a sheep’s skin to deceive the flock. His disguise gives him access, but it also brings unexpected risk.