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Aesop's Fables · Chapter

The Hares and the Frogs explained

The Hares, despairing of their constant fear of predators, decide to drown themselves in a pool.

What happens

The Hares, despairing of their constant fear of predators, decide to drown themselves in a pool. However, when their approach frightens the Frogs into hiding, a wise Hare points out that there are creatures even more timid than themselves, giving them renewed courage.

Themes in this chapter

  • Perseverance and Effort

    The Hares' initial despair gives way to renewed resolve after recognizing that others face greater fears, encouraging them to endure their own challenges.

  • Wisdom and Foolishness

    The wise Hare's insight prevents the foolish act of self-destruction, highlighting the value of perspective and reason.

Characters to notice

  • The Hares

    The Hares lament their fearful existence and resolve to end their lives, but are persuaded by a wiser elder to reconsider.

  • The Frogs

    The Frogs, startled by the Hares' approach, leap into the water, revealing their own timidity.

Key passages

  • “The Hares once gathered together and lamented the unhappiness of their lot, exposed as they were to dangers on all sides and lacking the strength and the courage to hold their own.”

    The Hares met to complain about their miserable lives, feeling weak and cowardly in the face of constant threats.

    Sets up the Hares' despair and motivation for their drastic decision.

  • “Stop, my friends, take heart; don’t let us destroy ourselves after all: see, here are creatures who are afraid of us, and who must, therefore, be still more timid than ourselves.”

    Wait, friends, be encouraged; we shouldn't end our lives after all—look, there are creatures that fear us, so they must be even more timid than we are.

    The wise Hare's pivotal speech that changes the group's perspective and saves them.

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