Aesop | Greece
The Wolf Admiring his Shadow
A boastful Wolf, enamored by his grand shadow, fails to notice a lurking Lion and falls victim to his own vanity.
Once upon a time, a boastful Wolf lived in a vast forest. He was particularly fond of the evenings when the sun was setting, for his small noontime shadow would stretch and grow until it seemed quite grand. Believing he must be special to have such a majestic shadow, he reveled in its sight.
However, one evening while he was absorbed in his grand shadow, he failed to notice the faint sounds and movements in the tall grass nearby. Hidden there was a golden-furred Lion with razor-sharp claws, quietly observing the preoccupied Wolf.
Seeing the Wolf completely distracted by his own shadow, the Lion seized the chance. In a blink, he sprang from his hiding, taking the Wolf by surprise. The Wolf had no chance to escape or defend himself.
So, the vain Wolf, who had been so busy marveling at his own shadow, was caught off guard by the Lion. He had forgotten to be careful of the actual threats lurking in the forest while being consumed by the sight of his growing shadow.
