The Gnat and the Lion by Leo Tolstoy
A lion lies down to rest near a river, where a gnat buzzes around his head. The gnat taunts the lion, who tries to swat it but misses. The gnat continues to mock the lion, pointing out its own vulnerability and the lion's inability to catch him.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1886 · Genre: Fable, Allegory, Short Story · 175 words
First lines
A Gnat came to a Lion, and said:
"Do you think that you have more strength than I? You are mistaken! What does your strength consist in? Is it that you scratch with your claws, and gnaw with your teeth? That is the way the women quarrel with their husbands. I am stronger than you: if you wish let us fight!"
And the Gnat sounded his horn, and began to bite the Lion on his bare cheeks and his nose. The Lion struck his face with his paws and scratched it with his claws. He tore his face until the blood came, and gave up.
The Gnat trumpeted for joy, and flew away. Then he became entangled in a spider's web, and the spider began to suck him up. The Gnat said:
What this Textopian page supports
The Gnat and the Lion is listed on Textopian as a fable by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1886 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Leo Tolstoy
- Date: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Allegory, Short Story, Children's Literature, Satire
- Length: 175 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Gnat and the Lion by Leo Tolstoy
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- 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 Gnat and the Lion?
- How does this fable by Leo Tolstoy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- The Frog And The Lion by Leo Tolstoy
- The Cow And The Billy Goat by Leo Tolstoy
- The Mouse Under The Granary by Leo Tolstoy
- The Fox And The Goat by Leo Tolstoy
- The Fisherman And The Fish by Leo Tolstoy
- The Duck And The Moon by Leo Tolstoy
Genres
- Fable — The narrative features anthropomorphized animals and conveys a moral lesson, characteristic of fables.
- Allegory — The story represents broader themes of pride and the consequences of underestimating others.
- Short Story — The work is concise and presents a complete narrative arc within a brief format.
- Children's Literature — The simple language and moral lesson make it suitable for a younger audience.
Tags
Fable · Parable · Moralism · Philosophy · Satire · Social Commentary · Animal Story · Allegory · Symbolism · Morality Tale · Teaching Story · Didactic Fiction