# The Ass and the Wolf explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-ass-and-the-wolf
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters