FABLE IV
by Unknown · from Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse
Adapted Version
A big Lion lived there. He was very strong. All animals knew this. Other Animals wanted to hunt with him. Hunting alone was hard. Bull was strong. He wanted to hunt with Lion too. All animals thought Lion was very strong. They asked Lion to hunt. They hoped for much food.
Lion said, 'Yes, we hunt.' He smiled. Lion said, 'We will share the food. We will share it fairly. Everyone gets the same part. Animals were happy. They liked this idea. It sounded very good.
They went into the forest. They looked for food. They walked for a long time. Bull was very strong. Other Animals helped him. They worked well together. Soon, they found a big deer. They caught the big deer. It was a big catch.
Bull was very good at this. He cut the deer. He made four parts. All parts looked the same size. Bull wanted to be fair. Everyone could eat now. They were all very hungry.
Bull moved to take his part. Lion stood up. Lion looked at Bull. He made a loud sound. "Stop!" Lion said.
"This first part is mine," Lion said. "I am the king here. Kings always get the first part. This is my right."
"This second part is mine," Lion said. "I am the bravest hunter. I caught the deer. My strength helped us all."
"This third part is mine," Lion said. "My family needs it. I must feed my cubs. They wait for me at home."
Lion looked around. His eyes were big. He showed his sharp teeth. "Who wants the last part?" he asked. "Who will fight me for it? Step forward now!"
No one spoke. The animals looked at each other. Their heads hung low. They were very scared. They turned and walked away quietly. They left the deer. They left the Lion alone.
The animals learned a lesson. They would not hunt with bosses. Never again. Only with friends who share. They knew this now.
The animals walked away. They were sad. But they learned a lesson. It is good to hunt with friends who share.
Original Story
FABLE IV.
THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS.
The Bull, and several other beasts, were ambitious of the honour of hunting with the Lion. His savage Majesty graciously condescended to their desire; and it was agreed that they should have an equal share in whatever might be taken. They scour the forest, are unanimous in the pursuit, and, after a long chase, pull down a noble stag. It was divided with great dexterity by the Bull into four equal parts; but just as he was going to secure his share—"Hold!" says the Lion, "let no one presume to help himself till he hath heard our just and reasonable claims. I seize upon the first quarter by virtue of my prerogative; the second I claim as due to my superior conduct and courage; I cannot forego the third, on account of the necessities of my den; and if anyone is inclined to dispute my right to the fourth, let him speak." Awed by the majesty of his frown, and the terror of his paws, they silently withdrew, resolving never to hunt again but with their equals.
MORAL.
Be certain that those who have great power are honest before you place yourselves in their hands, or you will be deprived of your just rights.
Story DNA
Moral
Be certain that those who have great power are honest before you place yourselves in their hands, or you will be deprived of your just rights.
Plot Summary
A Bull and other beasts, seeking the honor of hunting with the Lion, agree to an equal share of any catch. After successfully hunting a stag, the Bull skillfully divides it into four equal parts. However, the Lion asserts his dominance, claiming the first three quarters for himself based on his prerogative, courage, and needs, and then intimidates the others into not disputing his claim to the fourth. Awed by his power, the beasts silently withdraw, resolving never to hunt with their superiors again, learning a harsh lesson about trusting the powerful.
Themes
Emotional Arc
hope to disillusionment
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Fables often reflect societal structures and power imbalances, using animal characters to allegorize human behavior and political realities without direct critique.
Plot Beats (11)
- The Bull and other beasts aspire to hunt with the Lion.
- The Lion graciously agrees, promising an equal share of the catch.
- They hunt together and successfully bring down a noble stag.
- The Bull expertly divides the stag into four equal parts.
- As the Bull is about to take his share, the Lion stops him.
- The Lion claims the first quarter by right of his prerogative.
- The Lion claims the second quarter due to his superior conduct and courage.
- The Lion claims the third quarter for the necessities of his den.
- The Lion challenges anyone to dispute his claim to the fourth quarter.
- Intimidated by the Lion's power, the other beasts silently leave.
- The beasts resolve never to hunt with those more powerful than themselves again.
Characters
The Lion
A large, muscular African lion, with powerful shoulders and hindquarters, indicative of immense strength. His coat is a rich, tawny gold, with a lighter cream belly. He moves with a predatory grace, but can quickly shift to an imposing, intimidating stance.
Attire: None, as he is an animal. His natural fur and mane are his defining features.
Wants: To secure the largest share of resources for himself, asserting his dominance and power over others.
Flaw: His greed and overbearing nature, which ultimately alienates potential allies and leads others to avoid him.
He remains unchanged, successfully exploiting the other beasts, reinforcing his belief in his own superiority and power.
Arrogant, cunning, domineering, selfish, and intimidating. He uses his power to exploit others.
The Bull
A robust and powerful bull, with a thick, muscular neck and broad shoulders. His coat is a deep, earthy brown, and he possesses considerable strength, though not on par with the Lion. He moves with a steady, deliberate gait.
Attire: None, as he is an animal. His natural fur and horns are his defining features.
Wants: To gain honor and an equal share of the hunt, driven by a desire for partnership and reward for his efforts.
Flaw: His fear and awe of the Lion's power, which prevents him from asserting his rights.
Learns a harsh lesson about the dangers of associating with those more powerful and less scrupulous, resolving to only hunt with equals in the future.
Ambitious, diligent, skilled (in dividing), and ultimately submissive when faced with overwhelming power. He is initially hopeful for fair partnership.
The Other Beasts
A diverse group of various forest animals (e.g., deer, boar, wolf, bear – though not explicitly named, they are implied to be strong enough to participate in a hunt). They are physically capable hunters, but individually less powerful than the Lion.
Attire: None, as they are animals. Their natural fur/hide/feathers are their defining features.
Wants: To gain honor and an equal share of the hunt's spoils.
Flaw: Their collective fear of the Lion and their inability to stand up to his tyranny.
They learn to distrust those with great power and resolve to seek partnerships only among their equals.
Ambitious, cooperative during the hunt, but easily intimidated and ultimately pragmatic, choosing self-preservation over confrontation.
Locations
Dense Forest Hunting Grounds
A vast, ancient forest with a thick canopy, where the ground is covered in fallen leaves and undergrowth. The air is cool and still, occasionally broken by the rustling of unseen creatures. Sunlight filters through the dense foliage in dappled patterns.
Mood: Initially cooperative and hopeful, later tense and fearful.
The beasts successfully hunt a stag and the Lion asserts his dominance, claiming all shares.