The Jackals and the Elephant
This novella explores themes of morality, power dynamics, and the nature of good and evil through a fable about a group of jackals who conspire to kill an elephant. The story highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of actions driven by greed and malice.
By Leo Tolstoy · Genre: Fable, Allegory, Satire · 278 words
First lines
The Jackals had eaten up all the carrion in the woods, and had nothing to eat. So an old Jackal was thinking how to find something to feed on. He went to an Elephant, and said:
"We had a king, but he became overweening: he told us to do things that nobody could do; we want to choose another king, and my people have sent me to ask you to be our king. You will have an easy life with us. Whatever you will order us to do, we will do, and we will honour you in everything. Come to our kingdom!"
The Elephant consented, and followed the Jackal. The Jackal brought him to a swamp. When the Elephant stuck fast in it, the Jackal said:
"Now command! Whatever you command, we will do."
What this Textopian page supports
The Jackals and the Elephant is listed on Textopian as a fable by Leo Tolstoy, dated Date unknown.
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: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Allegory, Satire, Moral Tale, Short Story
- Length: 278 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Jackals and the Elephant by Leo Tolstoy
- 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 Jackals and the Elephant?
- How does this fable by Leo Tolstoy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fable first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Dog The Cock And The Fox by Leo Tolstoy
- The Cow And The Billy Goat by Leo Tolstoy
- The Frog And The Lion by Leo Tolstoy
- The Monkey And The Pease by Leo Tolstoy
- The Ass And The Horse by Leo Tolstoy
- The Farmyard Cock And The Weathercock by Hans Christian Andersen
Genres
- Fable — The narrative features anthropomorphized animals conveying moral lessons, characteristic of fables.
- Allegory — The story symbolizes broader themes of power dynamics and the consequences of hubris.
- Satire — The text critiques leadership and the absurdity of following unqualified rulers.
- Moral Tale — The story imparts a clear moral about the dangers of overreaching authority and blind obedience.
Tags
Fable · Animal Story · Moral Lesson · Satire · Social Commentary · Critique of Power · Allegory · Symbolism · Nature Imagery · Human Nature · Morality Tale · Cautionary Story