# The Herdsman and the Lost Bull explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## What happens

A Herdsman loses a young Bull and vows to sacrifice a calf to Jupiter if he finds the thief. Upon discovering a lion devouring the Bull, he panics and instead promises a full-grown Bull for his own safety.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cunning and Deception

The Herdsman alters his vow to prioritize his own safety over his original promise.

### Human Nature and Vice

The Herdsman's self-preservation instinct overrides his initial vow, highlighting human weakness.

## Character check-ins

### The Herdsman

The Herdsman loses a young Bull and makes vows to Jupiter for safety.

### The Lion

The Lion is discovered devouring the lost Bull.

### Jupiter

Jupiter is invoked in the Herdsman's vows.

## Key lines

> A Herdsman was tending his cattle when he missed a young Bull, one of the finest of the herd.

A Herdsman noticed one of his best young bulls was missing while he watched over his cattle.

_Sets up the loss that drives the story._

> He went at once to look for him, but, meeting with no success in his search, he made a vow that, if he should discover the thief, he would sacrifice a calf to Jupiter.

He searched for the bull but failed to find it, so he promised Jupiter a calf if he found the thief.

_The Herdsman's initial vow reflects his desperation._

> Terrified with fear, he raised his hands to heaven and cried, 'Great Jupiter, I vowed I would sacrifice a calf to thee if I should discover the thief: but now a full-grown Bull I promise thee if only I myself escape unhurt from his clutches.'

Frightened, he prayed to Jupiter, changing his promise from a calf to a full-grown bull if he could escape the lion unharmed.

_The Herdsman's vow shifts from justice to self-preservation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-herdsman-and-the-lost-bull
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