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Aesop's Fables · Chapter

The Ass and the Wolf explained

An Ass feigns lameness to trick a Wolf into examining his hoof, then kicks the Wolf in the mouth and escapes.

What happens

An Ass feigns lameness to trick a Wolf into examining his hoof, then kicks the Wolf in the mouth and escapes. The Wolf realizes he should have stuck to his predatory nature rather than playing the healer.

Themes in this chapter

  • Cunning and Deception

    The Ass uses deception by pretending to be lame to lure the Wolf into a trap.

  • Wisdom and Foolishness

    The Wolf's foolishness in abandoning his natural role as a killer leads to his injury and shame.

Characters to notice

  • The Ass

    Feigns lameness and tricks the Wolf into a vulnerable position, then kicks him and escapes.

  • The Wolf

    Foolishly attempts to help the Ass by removing a thorn, only to be kicked and lose his teeth.

Key passages

  • “It serves me right: my father taught me to kill, and I ought to have stuck to that trade instead of attempting to cure.”

    The Wolf admits his mistake: he should have followed his instinct to kill rather than trying to help.

    The moral of the fable, emphasizing the danger of acting against one's nature.

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