# The Bear and the Travellers explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## What happens

Two travellers encounter a bear; one climbs a tree to hide while the other feigns death. After the bear leaves, the hidden traveller asks what the bear whispered, learning that true friendship is tested in times of danger.

## Themes in this chapter

### Human Nature and Vice

Explores the vice of cowardice and self-preservation at the expense of friendship.

### Perseverance and Effort

The feigning traveller's quick thinking and composure demonstrate effort in a crisis.

## Character check-ins

### The Bear

Appears suddenly, sniffs the feigning traveller, and leaves, believing him dead.

## Key lines

> Misfortune tests the sincerity of friendship.

True friends are revealed only when hardship strikes.

_The moral of the fable, emphasizing the theme of friendship under duress._

> He told me never again to travel with a friend who deserts you at the first sign of danger.

The bear advised me to avoid companions who abandon you when trouble arises.

_The traveller's witty reply underscores the lesson about loyalty._

## Links

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