Aesop
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Greece

The Wolf as Governor and the Ass

A clever and eloquent Wolf becomes the leader, proposes sharing food, but the Ass exposes his hidden selfishness, surprising the Wolves.
Leadership
Deception
Trust
Aesop's Fables - The Wolf as Governor and the Ass
Audio available for B1 version

Long ago, the Wolves held a meeting. They needed to choose a leader from their group. They picked a Wolf who was known for his cleverness and eloquent speech. This Wolf was somewhat tricky, but his words were so smooth that no one really noticed.

Not long after becoming the leader, this Wolf decided to address all the Wolves. He said, "I want to discuss something very important. It's something that will benefit us all. We need to be less selfish. When we go hunting, we should share whatever we catch with any hungry Wolf among us."

Just as he concluded his speech, an Ass, who had been standing nearby and listening, spoke up. "What a great idea!" exclaimed the Ass. "I'm sure you'll be the first one to share your food. You could perhaps start with the fat Sheep you hid in your den yesterday."

Thus, the true nature of the Wolf's words was exposed, surprising all the Wolves who had initially believed him.

Once upon a time, in a forest that seemed to be having an identity crisis, the Wolves decided they needed to do something big. They wanted to choose the coolest, most awesome leader for their wolf pack.

A gathering was called, and it was as grand as the annual Forest Ball. There was even a makeshift stage made of logs and vines, and rumor had it there would be a dance-off later.

One Wolf, with fur as slick as if he’d just stepped out of a hair commercial, strutted forward. “Listen up, my furry friends!” he exclaimed, voice dripping with charm. “I've had a revolutionary thought. Let’s start a new trend: Sharing! When we get food, we don’t just gobble it all up – no! We share with our buddies. It's the chic thing to do."

A wave of impressed murmurs went through the crowd. Some younger wolves tried to start an applause, but it mostly sounded like rapid-fire paw-tapping.

But just as the charming Wolf was basking in his apparent success, the forest's resident comedian, the Ass, who’d been sneakily eavesdropping behind a tree, decided to have his say. Popping his head out, he said, “Absolutely smashing idea, mate! By the way, speaking of sharing, how about that super fluffy Sheep you sneakily hid in your den? Fancy sharing that with the group?"

Suddenly, there was pin-drop silence. You could even hear a squirrel drop its acorn in shock. The slick Wolf’s jaw dropped, and he seemed to have lost his silky smooth words. The other Wolves exchanged surprised glances. The Ass, meanwhile, just grinned cheekily, looking very pleased with his revelation.

And thus, amidst the drama and popcorn, the Wolves learned an important lesson: It's easy to say nice things, but actions speak louder than words! Now, that's where true character shows!

Gathered were Wolves, one bright sunny day,
To choose a new leader to show them the way.
They picked one quite clever, with words oh so sleek,
His speeches were smooth, and his tactics unique.

This leader stood tall, and with confidence said,
“Let's share all our food, and make sure all are fed.
When hunting, let's promise to give and not take,
Share with every hungry Wolf, for unity's sake."

But an Ass, standing close, with a chuckle and jest,
Decided to put this new leader to test.
"A great idea!" the Ass did declare,
"But what about that Sheep, hiding in your lair?"

The Wolves gasped in shock, their trust was misplaced,
For the truth of the leader was now clearly faced.
With eloquence and charm, he'd tried to deceive,
But the Ass's sharp words made all Wolves believe.

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Understanding Questions

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think the Wolf was chosen as the leader of the Wolves?
  2. How did the Wolf plan to make things better for the group according to his speech?
  3. What did the Ass reveal about the Wolf's true nature, and how do you think it made the other Wolves feel?
  4. What does this story teach us about honesty and hypocrisy?
  5. Can you think of a time when actions were more important than words, similar to this story?

Fable Quotes

A leader is not one who shares the spoils, but one who bears the responsibility.
Deceit, like a shadow, can never stand in the light of truth.
Trust misplaced brings revealing truths, exposing the hidden intentions of those who weave deceitful words.
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