The Bear and the Travellers by Esopo

Name: The Bear and the Travellers
Author: Esopo

A group of travellers encounter a bear while crossing a forest. One of them suggests they should kill it and eat its flesh to sustain themselves on their journey. However, another traveller advises against this plan, pointing out that if they kill the bear, they will be committing murder. The first traveller counters by saying that if they do not kill the bear, it will surely kill one of them. The travellers decide to let the bear go and continue on their way. As they proceed, they come across a beehive in a tree. One of them suggests they should climb the tree and take some honey from the hive. However, another traveller advises against this plan, pointing out that if they disturb the bees, they will surely get stung. The travellers decide to leave the beehive alone and continue on their way. As they proceed, they come across a river. One of them suggests they should kill one of their own to provide food for the others. However, another traveller advises against this plan, pointing out that if they do so, they will be committing murder. The travellers decide to let each other live and continue on their way. They eventually reach safety, where they are able to eat and drink freely.

By Esopo · First published 1736 · Genre: Fable, Children's Literature, Moral Story · 187 words

First lines

Two Travellers were on the road together, when a Bear suddenly appeared on the scene. Before he observed them, one made for a tree at the side of the road, and climbed up into the branches and hid there. The other was not so nimble as his companion; and, as he could not escape, he threw himself on the ground and pretended to be dead. The Bear came up and sniffed all round him, but he kept perfectly still and held his breath: for they say that a bear will not touch a dead body. The Bear took him for a corpse, and went away. When the coast was clear, the Traveller in the tree came down, and asked the other what it was the Bear had whispered to him when he put his mouth to his ear. The other replied, "He told me never again to travel with a friend who deserts you at the first sign of danger. "

What this Textopian page supports

The Bear and the Travellers is listed on Textopian as a fable by Esopo, dated 1736 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Fable
Author: Esopo
Date: 1736 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fable, Children's Literature, Moral Story, Classic Literature
Length: 187 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fable — The book is a story written by Aesop, who is known for his fables. Fables often feature animals and teach moral lessons, as does 'The Bear and the Travellers'.
Children's Literature — Due to simple language and clear moral lessons usually present in Aesop's fables, they are often published as children's books.
Moral Story — Aesop's stories like 'The Bear and the Travellers' usually come with a clear moral lesson.
Classic Literature — The stories of Aesop are timeless and have been told across cultures for centuries. It is classic in that it has been retold and reread generation after generation.