Aesop | Greece
The Hart and The Vine
A majestic hart evades hunters by hiding under a plant, but is eventually discovered and harmed due to eating its leaves.
Once in a forest, a majestic hart lived. One sunny day, a group of hunters entered the forest, determined to capture him. Startled by the hunters' presence, the hart swiftly fled, desperate to find a hiding place.
During his frantic search, he discovered a large plant with thick leaves. It offered complete cover, effectively hiding the hart from the hunters. Feeling safe beneath the plant, the hart held his breath as the hunters strolled past.
The hunters searched but failed to find the hart. They eventually conceded defeat and left. Under the plant, the hart felt a wave of relief and security.
Feeling both secure and hungry after the fright, the hart started to nibble on the leaves of the plant that had provided him shelter. They were delicious and juicy. However, as he fed, the branches rustled, making noise.
The noise piqued the hunters' interest. They turned back, noticing the shaking plant. Intrigued, they aimed their arrows towards the rustling sound.
Unfortunately, the arrows hit their target, and the hart was struck. As the hart lay on the forest floor, he understood his mistake. He regretted eating the leaves of the plant that had kept him safe. He knew he had brought this calamity upon himself because he had harmed the one who had helped him.
