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Aesop's Fables · Chapter

The Lion and the Bull explained

A Lion attempts to lure a Bull to his den by pretending to sacrifice a sheep, but the Bull sees through the deception when he notices the cooking utensils and no sheep, realizing he is the intended victim.

What happens

A Lion attempts to lure a Bull to his den by pretending to sacrifice a sheep, but the Bull sees through the deception when he notices the cooking utensils and no sheep, realizing he is the intended victim.

Themes in this chapter

  • Cunning and Deception

    The Lion's failed attempt to trick the Bull.

  • Wisdom and Foolishness

    The Bull's wisdom in recognizing the trap.

Characters to notice

  • The Lion

    Attempts to deceive the Bull with a false invitation.

  • The Bull

    Sees through the Lion's trick and escapes.

Key passages

  • The net is spread in vain in sight of the bird.

    A trap is useless if the intended victim can see it.

    Moral of the fable.