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Aesop's Fables · Chapter

The Lion, the Mouse, and the Fox explained

A Lion is awakened by a Mouse running over his back.

What happens

A Lion is awakened by a Mouse running over his back. A Fox observes and mocks the Lion for being afraid of a Mouse, but the Lion retorts that it is not fear but the Mouse's bad manners that disturb him.

Themes in this chapter

  • Pride and Folly

    The Fox's attempt to mock the Lion reflects pride and folly, as the Lion's response reveals the Fox's misunderstanding.

  • Appearance vs. Reality

    The Fox misinterprets the Lion's startlement as fear, while the Lion clarifies it is about manners, not fear.

Characters to notice

  • The Lion

    The Lion is disturbed from his sleep by a Mouse and defends his reaction against the Fox's mockery.

  • The Mouse

    The Mouse inadvertently wakes the Lion by running over his back.

  • The Fox

    The Fox attempts to mock the Lion for appearing afraid of the Mouse.

Key passages

  • “Well, this is the first time I’ve seen a Lion afraid of a Mouse.”

    The Fox sarcastically remarks that he has never witnessed a Lion being frightened by a Mouse.

    The Fox's taunt highlights his attempt to belittle the Lion.

  • “Afraid of a Mouse? not I! It’s his bad manners I can’t stand.”

    The Lion denies being afraid and states that the Mouse's lack of courtesy is what bothers him.

    The Lion's retort shifts the focus from fear to propriety.

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