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Aesop's Fables · Chapter

The Archer and the Lion explained

An Archer frightens all animals except the Lion, who challenges him.

What happens

An Archer frightens all animals except the Lion, who challenges him. The Archer shoots the Lion with an arrow, causing the Lion to flee. A Fox mocks the Lion for cowardice, but the Lion explains that the Archer's ability to harm from a distance makes him too dangerous to face.

Themes in this chapter

  • Wisdom and Foolishness

    The Lion's retreat is portrayed as wise caution, not cowardice, recognizing the danger of a distant attacker.

  • Appearance vs. Reality

    The Fox misjudges the Lion's flight as cowardice, but the Lion's reasoning reveals a deeper understanding of the Archer's true threat.

Characters to notice

  • The Lion

    Challenges the Archer but flees after being struck by an arrow, showing caution over pride.

  • The Fox

    Observes the encounter and taunts the Lion for cowardice, but is rebuffed.

Key passages

  • “Give a wide berth to those who can do damage at a distance.”

    Avoid those who can harm you from afar.

    The moral of the fable, warning against underestimating indirect threats.

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