# The Ass in the Lion's Skin explained — Indian Fairy Tales

> Chapter companion for Indian Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs.

## What happens

This chapter discusses the Jataka tale of the Ass in the Lion's Skin, tracing its parallels in Somadeva, Aesop, Babrius, and Avian. It notes that the Indian version provides a plausible motive for the masquerade, unlike the standard Aesopic version, and argues for an Indian origin of the fable.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cunning and Wisdom

The ass's disguise as a lion is an act of cunning, though ultimately unsuccessful.

### Cultural Transmission and Borrowing

The chapter highlights the transmission of the fable from India to Greek and Latin traditions, illustrating cultural borrowing.

## Character check-ins

### The Ass in the Lion's Skin

The titular character of the fable, an ass who disguises himself in a lion's skin.

### Aesop

Mentioned as the Greek source of the Aesopic parallels.

### Somadeva

Author of the Katha Sarit Sagara, which contains a parallel version of the tale.

## Key lines

> There can be little doubt that the Ass in the Lion’s Skin is from India.

The fable almost certainly originated in India.

_The author asserts an Indian origin for the tale._

> As Prof. Rhys-Davids remarks, the Indian form gives a plausible motive for the masquerade which is wanting in the ordinary Aesopic version.

Professor Rhys-Davids notes that the Indian version provides a believable reason for the disguise, unlike the standard Aesopic telling.

_Highlights a key difference between the Indian and Greek versions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xx-the-ass-in-the-lion-s-skin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/chapters