The Bull and The Calf
A powerful bull rejects a young calf's offer to help, but ends up getting stuck while the calf walks away.
In a large green field, there lived a big and strong Bull. Not far from him, a young and lively Calf spent his days playing and learning from the older animals.
One bright afternoon, the Bull came across a narrow path leading to his stall. He was very large, and the path seemed too narrow for him. He stopped and thought about how to fit through.
The Calf, who was watching from afar, noticed the Bull's problem. Wanting to help, he ran over to the Bull and said, "Let me show you how to get through the path. I'm smaller and can pass through easily."
The Bull, with his large horns and strong body, looked down at the Calf. He snorted and said, "I have been using this path long before you were born. I know what to do."
Despite the Calf's suggestion, the Bull decided to try and push his way through. He rushed towards the path, but instead of getting through, he got stuck. His big body was tightly squeezed between the two sides of the path.
The Calf, seeing the Bull struggling, shook his head and walked away, leaving the Bull to figure out how to free himself from the narrow path.
Audio available for B1 version
In a large green field, there lived a big and strong Bull.
Not far from him, a young and lively Calf spent his days playing and learning from the older animals.
One bright afternoon, the Bull came across a narrow path leading to his stall.
He was very large, and the path seemed too narrow for him.
He stopped and thought about how to fit through.
The Calf, who was watching from afar, noticed the Bull's problem.
Wanting to help, he ran over to the Bull and said, "Let me show you how to get through the path.
I'm smaller and can pass through easily."
The Bull, with his large horns and strong body, looked down at the Calf.
He snorted and said, "I have been using this path long before you were born.
I know what to do."
Despite the Calf's suggestion, the Bull decided to try and push his way through.
He rushed towards the path, but instead of getting through, he got stuck.
His big body was tightly squeezed between the two sides of the path.
The Calf, seeing the Bull struggling, shook his head and walked away, leaving the Bull to figure out how to free himself from the narrow path.
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Word Finder
Lively
Full of energy and enthusiasm.Afternoon
The time between noon and evening.Across
Moving from one side to the other.Narrow
Not wide, having a small width.Problem
A situation needing a solution or answer.Easily
Without difficulty or effort.Snorted
Made a loud sound through the nose.Suggestion
An idea or plan offered for consideration.Rushed
Moved quickly or with urgency.Struggling
Finding something difficult to do.
Understanding Questions
- Where did the Calf spend his days playing and learning?
- What problem did the Bull face when he came across the narrow path?
- How did the Calf offer to help the Bull?
- What was the Bull's response to the Calf's suggestion?
- What happened when the Bull tried to push his way through the narrow path?
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think the Bull didn't accept the Calf's help at first?
- How do you think the Bull felt when he got stuck in the passage?
- Can you think of a time when you or someone else didn't listen to useful advice?
- What does this story teach us about pride and the willingness to accept help from others?
- How can we apply the lesson from this story in our daily lives, at school or at home?
Fable Quotes
The bigger your pride, the harder the fall.
Every helping hand holds value, no matter how small.
Humility is the gate that opens the way for help when we're stuck.
Just One More Fable
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The Arguing Fruits
A Peach and an Apple argued over their beauty until a Berry vine interrupted, reminding them of the beauty in uniqueness.
- Wisdom
- Fear
The Fighting Roosters
A Prince had a champion rooster, but it became fearful in fights until a trainer taught it to be calm and focused, making it the best fighter.