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Aesop's Fables · Chapter

The Lion and the Wild Ass explained

A Lion and a Wild Ass hunt together, with the Ass using speed to run down prey and the Lion finishing it.

What happens

A Lion and a Wild Ass hunt together, with the Ass using speed to run down prey and the Lion finishing it. After a successful hunt, the Lion divides the spoil into three portions, claiming the first as king, the second as partner, and threatening the Ass to forfeit the third or face dire consequences, illustrating that might makes right.

Themes in this chapter

  • Social Hierarchy and Power

    The Lion asserts authority based on his royal status and physical might, exploiting the partnership.

  • Justice and Consequence

    The unfair division of spoils highlights a perversion of justice where the stronger imposes his will.

Characters to notice

  • The Lion

    Claims dominance as king of beasts and uses threat to take all the spoil.

  • The Ass

    Hunts with the Lion but is bullied into giving up his share.

Key passages

  • “Might makes right.”

    Those with power can impose their own rules and take what they want.

    The moral of the fable, summarizing the theme of power overriding fairness.

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