# The Impostor explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## What happens

A man who falsely promises a grand sacrifice to the gods is tricked into being sold into slavery for exactly the amount he pretended to offer.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cunning and Deception

The man attempts to deceive the gods with false offerings, but the gods outwit him in return.

### Justice and Consequence

The gods ensure the man's dishonest vow leads to a fitting punishment—being sold for the exact sum he pretended to offer.

## Character check-ins

### The Ox

Referenced in the man's vow to sacrifice a hundred oxen, though he had none.

## Key lines

> Do not promise more than you can perform.

Never make a promise you cannot keep.

_The moral of the fable, warning against empty vows._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-impostor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters