The Old Hound
Once a mighty hound, now old and frail, failed to catch a boar, pleading with his master to remember his former glory.
Once upon a time, there was an old hound. When he was younger, he was the strongest and bravest dog around. He could chase the fastest deer and even fight the toughest bears. He always came back a winner.
As the years passed, the hound grew old. His fur turned gray, he couldn't see well, and his sharp teeth became dull. But inside, he still felt like a great warrior.
One day, a wild boar appeared. Even though he was old, the hound jumped up to catch it, thinking of his glorious past. He grabbed the boar by the ear, but his old teeth couldn't hold on, and the boar ran away.
When the hound's owner arrived and saw the boar escaping, he was upset. He scolded the hound for letting the boar get away.
Hearing this, the hound looked up at his owner and said, "Master, my spirit is still strong, but my body is old. I fought as bravely as when I was young, but my teeth couldn't keep up. Please remember me as the strong dog I used to be, not for growing old."
Audio available for B1 version
Once upon a time, there was an old hound.
When he was younger, he was the strongest and bravest dog around.
He could chase the fastest deer and even fight the toughest bears.
He always came back a winner.
As the years passed, the hound grew old.
His fur turned gray, he couldn't see well, and his sharp teeth became dull.
But inside, he still felt like a great warrior.
One day, a wild boar appeared.
Even though he was old, the hound jumped up to catch it, thinking of his glorious past.
He grabbed the boar by the ear, but his old teeth couldn't hold on, and the boar ran away.
When the hound's owner arrived and saw the boar escaping, he was upset.
He scolded the hound for letting the boar get away.
Hearing this, the hound looked up at his owner and said, "Master, my spirit is still strong, but my body is old.
I fought as bravely as when I was young, but my teeth couldn't keep up.
Please remember me as the strong dog I used to be, not for growing old."
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Word Finder
Hound
Old dog that hunts and chases animals.Bravest
Showing no fear; very courageous and strong.Warrior
A fighter who is very brave and skilled.Boar
A large wild pig with tusks and strong body.Glorious
Very great, wonderful, and full of glory.Escaping
Getting away from something or someone quickly.Scolded
Spoke angrily to someone for doing wrong.Spirit
The inner feelings or courage of a person or animal.Bravely
Acting with courage and without fear.Remember
To think about again; to not forget something.
Understanding Questions
- What was the hound known for when he was younger?
- How did the hound's appearance and abilities change as he got older?
- What did the hound do when he saw the wild boar?
- Why did the hound fail to catch the boar?
- What did the hound ask his owner to remember about him?
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think the hound was so eager to fight the boar, even though he was old?
- How do you think the hound felt when his master scolded him after the boar escaped?
- Can you remember a time when you tried your best, but it still didn't work out?
- What does this story teach us about understanding and empathy, especially towards those who are older?
- How can we apply this story's lesson when interacting with our grandparents or elderly people in our lives?
Fable Quotes
Remembering past strengths and appreciating their impact helps us value the essence of one's journey.
True bravery is not defined by age, but by the spirit within one's heart.
Respect the old, for their wisdom outlasts their physical strength.
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