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Character collection

Domestic Animals

Stories featuring farm animals, pets and household companions.

The Dog and the Shadow
Domestic AnimalsContentment

The Dog and the Shadow

Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.

The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs
Domestic AnimalsGreed

The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs

Greed often overreaches itself and loses everything it has.

The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Wild AnimalsDeception

The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Appearances can be deceiving, and those who act with malice often hide behind a facade of innocence.

The Frog and the Ox
Small CreaturesHumility

The Frog and the Ox

It is foolish to sacrifice one's own well-being just to imitate others or appear grander than one truly is.

The Ass in the Lion's Skin
Domestic AnimalsDeception

The Ass in the Lion's Skin

An empty disguise may fool the eyes, but it cannot hide the truth of one's nature.

The Dog in the Manger
Domestic AnimalsGreed

The Dog in the Manger

It is a wretched trait to begrudge others what one cannot enjoy oneself.

The Fox and the Goat
Wild AnimalsPrudence

The Fox and the Goat

Look before you leap, and always consider the consequences of your actions before following the advice of others.

The Wolf and the Lamb
Wild AnimalsDeception

The Wolf and the Lamb

Any excuse will serve a tyrant.

The Lion, the Fox, and the Ass
Wild AnimalsWisdom

The Lion, the Fox, and the Ass

It is wise to learn from the misfortunes of others.

The Two Goats
Domestic AnimalsSelf-Control

The Two Goats

It is better to yield than to come to misfortune through stubbornness.

The Camel and Zeus
Domestic AnimalsContentment

The Camel and Zeus

Be content with what you have, for the greed for more often leads to the loss of what is already possessed.

The Ass and the Lapdog
Domestic AnimalsContentment

The Ass and the Lapdog

Do not attempt to imitate others if you lack the nature and grace for it, for what is charming in one may be ridiculous in another.

The Wolf and the House Dog
Wild AnimalsContentment

The Wolf and the House Dog

Better to starve in freedom than be a fat slave in chains.

The Horse and the Groom
Domestic AnimalsHonesty

The Horse and the Groom

A master's eye is the best nourishment for his horse.

The Miller, His Son, and the Donkey
HumansWisdom

The Miller, His Son, and the Donkey

If you try to please everyone, you will end up pleasing no one.

The Donkey and the Load of Salt
Domestic AnimalsDeception

The Donkey and the Load of Salt

Do not seek to trick others, for your own cunning may eventually lead to your undoing.

The Donkey and the Load of Sponges
Domestic AnimalsPrudence

The Donkey and the Load of Sponges

Do not seek to evade your duties through deception, for the consequences may be far heavier than the original burden.

The Cat and the Mice
Domestic AnimalsPrudence

The Cat and the Mice

Do not be deceived by appearances, for wisdom lies in recognizing the trickster before the trap is sprung.

The Monkey and the Camel
Wild AnimalsHumility

The Monkey and the Camel

It is better to be humble and content with one's own nature than to attempt to mimic others and suffer the consequences.

The Ass and the Grasshopper
Domestic AnimalsContentment

The Ass and the Grasshopper

One man’s pleasure may be another man’s pain.

The Hen and the Swallow
BirdsPrudence

The Hen and the Swallow

Experience is the best teacher, and one should not claim wisdom in matters they have not truly understood.

The Cock and the Pearl
Domestic AnimalsWisdom

The Cock and the Pearl

To the ignorant, material value is meaningless compared to the necessity of survival.

The Kid and the Wolf
Domestic AnimalsPrudence

The Kid and the Wolf

Do not be deceived by the hollow words of those who seek to do you harm.

The Fighting Cocks and the Eagle
Domestic AnimalsHumility

The Fighting Cocks and the Eagle

Pride often blinds us to the dangers of our own arrogance.

The Horse, Hunter, and Stag
Domestic AnimalsPrudence

The Horse, Hunter, and Stag

He who seeks revenge for a small injury often pays a much higher price with his own freedom.

The Mule
Domestic AnimalsHumility

The Mule

Pride often blinds us to the very qualities that define our true worth.

The Hare and the Hound
Wild AnimalsPerseverance

The Hare and the Hound

Confidence in one's own abilities often overcomes the intimidation of a superior opponent.

The Gnat and the Bull
Small CreaturesHumility

The Gnat and the Bull

We are often of less importance in our own eyes than in the eyes of others.

The Horse and the Ass
Domestic AnimalsKindness

The Horse and the Ass

A little help from a friend can prevent a great tragedy.

The Eagle, the Cat, and the Sow
BirdsDeception

The Eagle, the Cat, and the Sow

Beware of those who carry tales, for their honeyed words often hide a web of deceit.