The Lion and the Mouse | Aesop's Fables

Aesop has written many fables that have been used to teach children about important moral values. One of his most famous stories is that of the lion and the mouse. The story is very famous and common among children.

There are also many similar versions of the story that have been written over time. However, the Aesop’s version is the most original as well as the most common. The story is full of useful teachings’ that it gives to each reader despite it being a very short story with just two characters.

The Tale of the Lion and the Mouse

One day, the lion, who is the king of the jungle, was taking his afternoon nap. He was resting peacefully as he used his paws as a pillow to support his head that was full of mane. A tiny mouse was playing nearby and without its knowledge; it accidentally stepped on the nose of the lion. The lion was startled from its sleep and as the mouse tried to run away, it held him by the tail in place using its paws so much, so that the mouse could not move any further.

The lion was so angry because of having its beautiful sleep interrupted. It angrily roared at the mouse and threatened to kill her. However, the tiny mouse pleaded for her dear life. She pleaded and begged the lion not to kill her all the while promising him that one-day in the future; she would be there to help him if the lion ever needed him. The lion found this funny as there was no way that a tiny mouse like herself would be in a position or have the ability to offer help to a big and brave lion like himself. Having been impressed and enjoyed by the mouse’s sense of worth, the lion in a bid to dismiss the entire conversation because he believe it to be impossible, the lion let the tiny mouse go, perhaps out of kindness or pity.

After this encounter, days came and went and both the lion and the mouse went about their individual ways of life without until the unexpected happened when during his normal daily routine, the lion was busy hunting its prey when it accidentally stepped on the trap set by a smart skillful hunter. The traps set by this hunter had never been escaped by any prey before.

The net trap as set by the hunter, had wrapped firmly around the lion and it could not even achieve movement. The lion let out a series of loud roars in his unsuccessful struggles to release himself and get away from the ropes that had bound him tightly, squeezing his huge body in a firm grip. It happened that the timid mouse that had previously been caught and released by the lion as an act of pitiful kindness was also looking for his meal around the same place where the trap had been laid. 

The mouse heard the roars and the noises due to the struggles and upon approaching; she realized it was the lion whom she had made a promise to before. It dawned upon the mouse, who in quick recall, remembered that this would be his chance to repay back the act of kindness demonstrated by the lion in sparing her life. She quickly rushed towards the direction of the roar.

The mouse met the lion as he was still struggling to get away from the hunter’s net trap and realized the frustration in his eyes and eyes. She quickly moved to start to gnaw on the ropes with her sharp teeth until the ropes became loose and soon after were broken setting the lion free. In this simple way, the mouse had rescued the lion and in so doing, repaid the debt of kindness. The mouse then reminded the lion that she had promised that she would repay his kindness, which he had just done. The lion heartily thanked the mouse for having saved his life and that was the beginning of a lasting friendship between the enormous lion and the timid mouse.

The Moral of the Story

One moral lesson that we can learn from the story is that we should not despise someone for how he or she may look. Physical appearance is not a determinant of the value of a person to your life. One might look at someone and conclude that he or she cannot help him or her. What most people forget is that everyone has their own strength and no matter how timid one may seem, they have a strength that may be helpful to you one day.

The story also teaches on the importance of kindness. The lion was kind to the mouse although he was not sure of what he will get in return. This teaches people to be kind to others even when they see that their kindness may never be repaid.

The fact that the mouse remembered what the lion had done for him teaches people never to forget an act of goodness extended to them. One should always rush to help the people who once helped them because you may not know when you might need them again.

The story also teaches people not to underestimate themselves. No matter how small you may be, you may be needed by that person that you consider mighty and strong. The mouse was so confident when he promised the lion that he would help him. This teaches people to be confident no matter their physical appearance because in each and everyone lies a great strength. Most importantly, it is important to note that a promise is a debt that always has to be repaid.