A tiny gnat challenges a mighty lion and wins, only to be caught by a spider.
A Gnat challenges the King of Beasts to a fight and wins by stinging him repeatedly on the nose until the Lion gives up. Flushed with victory, the Gnat flies off to boast but flies straight into a spider's web.
Author: Aesop
Themes: pride, humility, hubris
"Away with you, vile insect!" said a Lion angrily to a Gnat that was buzzing around his head. But the Gnat was not in the least disturbed. "Do you think," he said spitefully to the Lion, "that I am afraid of you because they call you king?"
The next instant he flew at the Lion and stung him sharply on the nose. Mad with rage, the Lion struck fiercely at the Gnat, but only succeeded in tearing himself with his claws.
Again and again the Gnat stung the Lion, who now was roaring terribly. At last, worn out with rage and covered with wounds that his own teeth and claws had made, the Lion gave up the fight.
The Gnat buzzed away to tell the whole world about his victory, but instead he flew straight into a spider's web. And there, he who had defeated the King of beasts came to a miserable end, the prey of a little spider.
Introduction
This classic fable by Aesop, 'The Lion and the Gnat', tells a timeless story about pride, humility, and the dangers of underestimating small opponents. Perfect for children aged 6-8, it teaches that even the strongest can be defeated by the smallest, and that victory should not lead to carelessness. A wonderful bedtime story with a powerful moral lesson.
About Aesop
Aesop was a storyteller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as Aesop's Fables. Although his existence remains unclear and no writings by him survive, numerous tales credited to him were gathered across the centuries and in many languages.
Moral of the Story
The least of our enemies is often the most to be feared. Pride over a success should not throw us off our guard.
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The Lion & the Gnat
This classic fable by Aesop, 'The Lion and the Gnat', tells a timeless story about pride, humility, and the dangers of underestimating small opponents. Perfect for children aged 6-8, it teaches that even the strongest can be defeated by the smallest, and that victory should not lead to carelessness. A wonderful bedtime story with a powerful moral lesson.
About the Story
This story comes from Ancient Greece and is one of Aesop's Fables. It has been told for centuries to teach lessons about human nature using animals characters.
About Aesop
Aesop was a storyteller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as Aesop's Fables. Although his existence remains unclear and no writings by him survive, numerous tales credited to him were gathered across the centuries and in many languages.
Moral of the Story
The least of our enemies is often the most to be feared. Pride over a success should not throw us off our guard.
Humility
Pride
Caution
Respect
Fun Activities
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Draw the Animals
Draw a picture of the mighty Lion and the tiny Gnat. How are they different in size?
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Act it Out
Pretend to be the Lion roaring and the Gnat buzzing. Act out the scene with a friend.
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Discuss the Moral
Talk about a time you felt proud like the Gnat. What happened next?
Frequently Asked Questions
❓What is the moral of The Lion and the Gnat?
The story teaches that we should not underestimate small opponents, and that pride can lead to our downfall even after a great victory.
❓Who wrote The Lion and the Gnat?
This story is attributed to Aesop, a storyteller from ancient Greece who is famous for his fables featuring animals.
❓Is this story suitable for small children?
Yes, it is suitable for children aged 6-8. It helps them understand the concepts of bragging and humility in a simple way.
