# The Stag in the Ox-Stall explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## What happens

A stag, fleeing from hounds, hides in an ox-stall under a pile of hay. The oxen warn him that he is not safe, but he is confident he can escape at night. Although the farmhands do not notice him, the master's keen eye discovers the stag when he comes to check on the cattle, and the stag is captured and killed.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wisdom and Foolishness

The stag's foolish overconfidence contrasts with the oxen's wisdom in recognizing the ongoing danger.

### Appearance vs. Reality

The stag believes he is safely hidden, but the master's arrival reveals the true peril of his situation.

## Character check-ins

### The Stag

Takes refuge in an ox-stall and is eventually discovered by the master.

### The Ox

Warns the stag of the danger and later expresses doubt about his safety.

## Key lines

> Pray let me stay for the present. When night comes I shall easily escape under cover of the dark.

Please allow me to remain here for now; I will slip away once it gets dark.

_The stag's naive confidence in his escape plan._

> We wish you well, but you are not out of danger yet. If the master comes, you will certainly be found out, for nothing ever escapes his keen eyes.

We hope you succeed, but you are still at risk. The master will surely spot you, as he notices everything.

_The oxen's wise warning about the master's perceptiveness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-stag-in-the-ox-stall
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters