The Lion and the Three Bulls
The Lion and the Three Bulls, by Esopo: A lion once came across three bulls grazing in a field. The lion was hungry and decided to attack them. However, the bulls were too strong and managed to fend off the lion's attacks. The lion realized that he had underestimated the strength of the bulls and retreated. The moral of the story is that one should never underestimate the strength or abilities of others, as they may be more powerful than anticipated.
By Esopo · First published 1668 · Genre: Fable, Children's literature, Folklore · 117 words
First lines
Three Bulls were grazing in a meadow, and were watched by a Lion, who longed to capture and devour them, but who felt that he was no match for the three so long as they kept together. So he began by false whispers and malicious hints to foment jealousies and distrust among them. This stratagem succeeded so well that ere long the Bulls grew cold and unfriendly, and finally avoided each other and fed each one by himself apart. No sooner did the Lion see this than he fell upon them one by one and killed them in turn.
The quarrels of friends are the opportunities of foes.
What this Textopian page supports
The Lion and the Three Bulls is listed on Textopian as a fable by Esopo, dated 1668 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: 1668 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Children's literature, Folklore, Fairy tale, Fantasy
- Length: 117 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Lion and the Three Bulls by Esopo
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Lion and the Three Bulls?
- How does this fable by Esopo fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fable first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Lion And The Bull by Esopo
- The Wolf And The Boy by Esopo
- The Two Soldiers And The Robber by Esopo
- The Mouse The Frog And The Hawk by Esopo
- The Sheep And The Dog by Esopo
- The Ass The Fox And The Lion by Esopo
Genres
- Fable — The book is a fable written by Esopo, featuring anthropomorphized animals as characters typically found in this genre.
- Children's literature — The book has a simple, moral-driven story, which is a common characteristic of children's literature.
- Folklore — Esopo's works, including this story, were orally passed on through generations, falling into the genre of folklore.
- Fairy tale — The story includes animals with human-like characteristics, which is common in fairy tales. Although, it doesn't include typical magic or fantastical elements.
Tags
fable · morality · friendship · betrayal · animals · unity · strength · wisdom · caution · trust · deception · conflict