THE HARES and THE FROGS
by Aesop · from Aesop's Fables; a new translation
Adapted Version
Once, there were some little Hares. They were always, always scared. They felt very, very sad. Big animals chased them. They had no safe place. They worried all the time. They felt so much fear.
The Hares felt small. They felt very, very weak. Big, scary animals chased them. Things with sharp teeth chased them. Birds flew high above. They looked for Hares. The Hares felt scared and small.
The Hares were so, so sad. They did not want to be scared. They wanted to stop the fear forever. "Let us go away," they said. "Let us go into the water. Then we will not be scared. We will find peace there." They felt very, very unhappy.
So, the Hares ran very fast. They ran to a big, blue pond. They wanted to go into the water. They wanted to stop being scared. They ran all together. Their feet made soft thumps.
Near the pond, some Frogs sat. The Frogs sat very quiet. They sat on the green bank. They heard the Hares running. Thump, thump, thump went the feet.
The Frogs felt big fear. They heard the Hares. They jumped! Splash! Into the water they went. They hid deep down. They were very, very scared.
One Hare saw the Frogs. This was The Wise Hare. He saw their big jump. He saw their fear.
The Wise Hare spoke to his friends. "Stop, my friends! Look, look!" he said. "The Frogs are scared of *us*! They jumped away so fast. They hid in the water. They are more scared than us. We are not the most scared animals!"
The Hares heard The Wise Hare. They stopped running. They looked at each other. They felt a little bit brave. "We will not go into the water." The Hares said this. "We will live. We are not the most scared. We can be brave." They felt happy now.
Sometimes you feel very scared. But look! Someone else is more scared. This can help you feel brave. Yes, you can be brave!
Original Story
THE HARES AND THE FROGS
The Hares once gathered together and lamented the unhappiness of their lot, exposed as they were to dangers on all sides and lacking the strength and the courage to hold their own. Men, dogs, birds and beasts of prey were all their enemies, and killed and devoured them daily: and sooner than endure such persecution any longer, they one and all determined to end their miserable lives. Thus resolved and desperate, they rushed in a body towards a neighbouring pool, intending to drown themselves. On the bank were sitting a number of Frogs, who, when they heard the noise of the Hares as they ran, with one accord leaped into the water and hid themselves in the depths. Then one of the older Hares who was wiser than the rest cried out to his companions, "Stop, my friends, take heart; don't let us destroy ourselves after all: see, here are creatures who are afraid of us, and who must, therefore, be still more timid than ourselves."
Story DNA
Moral
No matter how bad your own lot may seem, there is always someone worse off than yourself.
Plot Summary
A group of Hares, constantly living in fear of predators, decide their lives are too miserable to continue and resolve to drown themselves. As they rush towards a pond, a group of Frogs sitting on the bank are startled by their approach and leap into the water in terror. Witnessing the Frogs' even greater fear, an older, wiser Hare points out that there are creatures more timid than themselves, giving the Hares a new perspective and dissuading them from their desperate plan.
Themes
Emotional Arc
despair to realization
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Aesop's Fables are a collection of fables credited to Aesop, a slave and storyteller believed to have lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE. They are characterized by animal characters and a clear moral lesson.
Plot Beats (9)
- The Hares gather to complain about their constant fear and the dangers they face from all sides.
- They feel weak and lacking courage, constantly hunted by men, dogs, birds, and beasts of prey.
- Unable to endure their persecution any longer, they collectively decide to commit suicide.
- The Hares rush towards a nearby pool with the intention of drowning themselves.
- A group of Frogs sitting on the bank hear the approaching Hares.
- The Frogs, startled and terrified by the noise, immediately leap into the water and hide.
- An older, wiser Hare notices the Frogs' reaction.
- The wise Hare points out to his companions that these creatures are afraid of them, meaning they must be even more timid.
- The Hares take heart from this realization and decide not to destroy themselves.
Characters
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The Hares
Small, slender, agile mammals with long ears, powerful hind legs for leaping, and soft, brownish-grey fur that blends with dry grasses. They are typically about 2 feet long and weigh 6-10 pounds. Their bodies are built for speed and evasion.
Attire: None, as they are wild animals.
Wants: To escape constant danger and suffering; ultimately, to find a reason to continue living.
Flaw: Overwhelming fear and a lack of self-worth, leading to despair and suicidal ideation.
They begin in utter despair, convinced their lives are worthless. Through observing the Frogs, they gain a new perspective, realizing that even they inspire fear in others, which gives them a reason to reconsider their decision to end their lives.
Timid, fearful, prone to panic, easily discouraged, but also capable of collective action and a glimmer of self-preservation when prompted.
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The Older Hare
Slightly larger and perhaps a bit more grizzled than the other hares, with the same slender, agile build and brownish-grey fur. Its movements might be a touch more deliberate, reflecting experience.
Attire: None, as it is a wild animal.
Wants: To escape suffering; then, to prevent its companions from making a rash, final decision.
Flaw: Still susceptible to the general fear of its species, but less prone to despair.
Serves as the catalyst for the group's change, moving from despair to a moment of insightful leadership.
Initially fearful like the others, but possesses a latent wisdom, observational skills, and the courage to articulate a new perspective to its companions.
○
The Frogs
Small, green or brownish-green amphibians with smooth, moist skin, bulging eyes, and long, powerful hind legs adapted for jumping. They are typically 2-4 inches long.
Attire: None, as they are wild animals.
Wants: Self-preservation; to avoid perceived danger.
Flaw: Overwhelming fear and a lack of courage, making them flee from almost any disturbance.
They serve as a plot device, their fear inadvertently providing a crucial lesson for the Hares.
Extremely timid, easily startled, prone to panic, and quick to flee.
Locations
Open Field / Meadow
An exposed, vulnerable open field or meadow where the hares gather, feeling constantly threatened by predators from all directions.
Mood: Desperate, vulnerable, exposed, melancholic.
The hares gather to lament their fate and decide to end their lives.
Bank of a Neighbouring Pool
The edge of a still body of water, likely a pond or small lake, with vegetation along its banks where frogs reside. The ground near the water is likely damp.
Mood: Initially desperate and chaotic, then shifting to a moment of revelation and hope.
The hares rush towards the pool to drown themselves, startling the frogs and leading to a change of heart.