The Lion, the Bear and the Fox by Aesop with Video

The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox by Aesop with new words in real context, video, discussion questions, the moral of the story to learn English with amusing and instructive stories. The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox is now in the public domain available on Gutenberg Project.

Video of the Lion, the Bear, and the Fox

The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox

A lion and a bear were fighting for possession of a deer, which they had both seized at the same moment.

The battle was long and fierce, and at length, both of them were exhausted, and lay upon the ground severely wounded and gasping for breath.

A fox had all the time been prowling round and watching the fight: and when he saw the combatants lying there too weak to move, he slipped in and seized the deer, and ran off with it.

They looked on helplessly, and one said to the other, “Here we’ve been mauling each other all this while, and no one the better for it except the fox!”

English proverbs from the short story

Here are a few English proverbs that thematically relate to “The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox” fable. These proverbs encapsulate the theme of opportunism and the folly of unnecessary conflict.

While two dogs fight for a bone, a third runs away with it.

This proverb perfectly captures the idea that while two parties are engaged in a conflict, a third party can take advantage of their distraction.

One man’s loss is another man’s gain.

This reflects the concept that when someone loses something, someone else can benefit from that loss.

Opportunity knocks but once.

This emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise, much like the fox did in the fable.

Vocabulary in real context

1. possession: ownership
2. seize: to take hold of something
3. fierce: violent and intense
4. at length: eventually, finally
5. exhausted: tired
6. prowl: to roam around an area stealthily for prey, lurk, lie in wait
7. combatant: fighter, opponent
8. slip in: slide in stealthily and steal something
9. helpless: powerless
10. maul: to attack, injure, assault, claw

Moral of the short story

The moral of “The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox” emphasizes the folly of unnecessary conflict and the value of strategic opportunism. The lion and the bear, engrossed in their fierce struggle over a prize, exhaust themselves and fail to notice the fox, who patiently waits for the right moment to take the spoils. This fable teaches that when individuals are consumed by their own disputes, they become vulnerable to those who remain observant and seize opportunities. It underscores the idea that wisdom often lies in watching and waiting rather than engaging in futile battles.

Moreover, the fable illustrates how greed and conflict can lead to mutual destruction, leaving the door open for a third party to benefit. This lesson encourages individuals to think strategically and to recognize when stepping back and observing may be more advantageous than direct confrontation. It serves as a reminder that success often comes from patience and smart decision-making rather than brute force.

Discussion questions

1. What are the consequences of the lion and the bear’s fight over the deer, and how does this conflict ultimately benefit the fox?
2. How does the fox’s approach to the situation differ from that of the lion and the bear, and what does this say about different strategies for achieving goals?
3. What can we learn from the lion, the bear, and the fox about the importance of patience and observation in overcoming challenges?