THE THIEF and THE INNKEEPER
by Aesop · from Aesop's Fables; a new translation
Adapted Version
Once there was a tricky man. He came to an inn. He looked for something nice.
The Tricky Man stayed at the inn. He looked for something interesting. He waited for many days. He liked to watch people.
One happy day came. Mr. Innkeeper had a new coat. It was a very nice coat. The coat was deep blue. He sat outside his inn. He wanted some fresh air.
The Tricky Man saw the new coat. He liked the blue coat very much. He wanted the coat. He went to Mr. Innkeeper. He sat down and talked.
They talked for some time. The Tricky Man yawned. It was a very big yawn. He made a sound like a wolf. The sound was loud. Mr. Innkeeper jumped a little. He was surprised.
Mr. Innkeeper asked, "What is wrong?" The Tricky Man told a story. He said, "I have a strange thing. After three big yawns, I turn into a wolf! It is a big, scary wolf."
He said, "Please hold my clothes for me. My clothes will get lost. They will be gone when I change. Please keep them safe."
The Tricky Man yawned again. He made the wolf sound. It was the second yawn. Mr. Innkeeper felt more scared. He believed the story.
Mr. Innkeeper was very scared. He did not want a wolf. He wanted to run inside. He stood up fast.
The Tricky Man held his new coat. He said, "Wait, sir, wait! Take my clothes now. Do not leave them here. Please take them!"
The Tricky Man opened his mouth wide. He started his third yawn. It was a very big yawn. Mr. Innkeeper was very, very scared now.
Mr. Innkeeper slipped out of his coat. He left his nice coat there. He ran into the inn very fast. He locked the door behind him.
The Tricky Man got the new coat. He took the blue coat. He walked away calmly. It was a very clever trick!
Original Story
THE THIEF AND THE INNKEEPER
A Thief hired a room at an inn, and stayed there some days on the look-out for something to steal. No opportunity, however, presented itself, till one day, when there was a festival to be celebrated, the Innkeeper appeared in a fine new coat and sat down before the door of the inn for an airing. The Thief no sooner set eyes upon the coat than he longed to get possession of it. There was no business doing, so he went and took a seat by the side of the Innkeeper, and began talking to him. They conversed together for some time, and then the Thief suddenly yawned and howled like a wolf. The Innkeeper asked him in some concern what ailed him. The Thief replied, "I will tell you about myself, sir, but first I must beg you to take charge of my clothes for me, for I intend to leave them with you. Why I have these fits of yawning I cannot tell: maybe they are sent as a punishment for my misdeeds; but, whatever the reason, the facts are that when I have yawned three times I become a ravening wolf and fly at men's throats." As he finished speaking he yawned a second time and howled again as before. The Innkeeper, believing every word he said, and terrified at the prospect of being confronted with a wolf, got up hastily and started to run indoors; but the Thief caught him by the coat and tried to stop him, crying, "Stay, sir, stay, and take charge of my clothes, or else I shall never see them again." As he spoke he opened his mouth and began to yawn for the third time. The Innkeeper, mad with the fear of being eaten by a wolf, slipped out of his coat, which remained in the other's hands, and bolted into the inn and locked the door behind him; and the Thief then quietly stole off with his spoil.
Story DNA
Moral
Fear can make even the cleverest people vulnerable to deception.
Plot Summary
A thief staying at an inn spots the innkeeper's new coat and devises a plan to steal it. He sits with the innkeeper and pretends to have a strange affliction where he transforms into a wolf after three yawns, asking the innkeeper to hold his clothes during the supposed transformation. After two convincing yawns, the terrified innkeeper, believing the story, flees into the inn, abandoning his coat to escape the impending 'wolf'. The thief then calmly takes the coat and leaves.
Themes
Emotional Arc
anticipation to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Aesop's Fables are ancient Greek stories, often featuring anthropomorphic animals or simple human characters to convey moral lessons.
Plot Beats (12)
- A thief lodges at an inn, patiently waiting for a chance to steal.
- The innkeeper, dressed in a new coat, sits outside during a festival.
- The thief, coveting the coat, joins the innkeeper and engages him in conversation.
- The thief suddenly yawns and howls like a wolf, alarming the innkeeper.
- The thief explains he has an uncontrollable affliction: after three yawns, he transforms into a ravening wolf.
- He asks the innkeeper to hold his clothes, claiming he doesn't want to lose them during his transformation.
- The thief yawns a second time, intensifying the innkeeper's fear.
- The innkeeper, terrified, tries to run indoors.
- The thief grabs the innkeeper's coat, insisting he take his clothes.
- The thief begins his third yawn, causing the innkeeper to panic completely.
- The innkeeper slips out of his coat, leaving it with the thief, and bolts into the inn, locking the door.
- The thief calmly takes the coat and departs.
Characters
★
The Thief
Lean and agile, with quick, observant eyes. His build is average, allowing him to blend into crowds easily. He moves with a subtle grace that hints at his stealthy profession.
Attire: Simple, unassuming traveler's clothes, likely made of sturdy, undyed linen or wool in muted earth tones (browns, greys). Perhaps a tunic, trousers, and a practical cloak, designed for comfort and inconspicuousness, not for display.
Wants: To acquire possessions through theft, driven by a desire for personal gain and perhaps a thrill of the challenge.
Flaw: His reliance on deception and manipulation, which could eventually be discovered.
He successfully executes his plan, reinforcing his identity as a clever thief. The story shows his method rather than a personal transformation.
Cunning, deceptive, opportunistic, and quick-witted. He is patient in waiting for an opportunity but decisive when one arises.
◆
The Innkeeper
A man of average height with a somewhat stout build, indicative of a life spent in a less physically demanding profession. He appears comfortable and well-fed.
Attire: A brand new, well-tailored coat of fine wool, perhaps in a rich color like deep blue or forest green, worn over a clean linen shirt and sturdy breeches. This is his best attire, worn for a festival. He might also wear polished leather shoes.
Wants: To enjoy the festival, display his new coat, and maintain the safety of his inn and himself.
Flaw: His gullibility and overwhelming fear, which make him an easy target for manipulation.
He begins proud and relaxed, but through the Thief's deception, he becomes terrified and loses his prized possession. He learns a harsh lesson about trusting strangers.
Trusting, somewhat naive, proud of his possessions, and easily susceptible to fear. He is hospitable but lacks critical judgment.
Locations
The Inn's Exterior
The front of a rustic, perhaps Roman-era or ancient Greek inn, likely constructed of stone and timber, with a prominent doorway. There is an open area or porch where people can sit outside.
Mood: Initially relaxed and social, quickly turning tense and fearful.
The Innkeeper sits out in his new coat, the Thief joins him, and the deception begins and culminates here with the Innkeeper fleeing.
Inn's Interior (briefly seen)
The inside of the inn, briefly glimpsed as the Innkeeper bolts inside and locks the door. Implies a sturdy door and a secure interior.
Mood: Safe haven, refuge from perceived danger.
The Innkeeper flees into this space, locking himself in for safety.