The Fox and the Goat
Based on a fable by Aesop · Adapted for children by YouAndWorld
On a hot afternoon, Fox leaned over an old well to look for water. A loose stone shifted beneath his paw, and he fell in. He drank until his thirst was gone. Then he looked up. The walls were high and slippery. Every attempt to climb ended in another splash.
Goat passed along the road and heard movement below. “Who is there?” he called. Fox saw a chance to escape. “I came down to enjoy this wonderful water. There is plenty for both of us!”
Goat was thirsty. He did not ask how Fox had entered or how they would leave. He jumped down and drank. Only afterward did he notice the distant opening. “How do we get out?”
“I have a plan,” Fox said. “Stand on your hind legs, put your front feet against the wall, and stretch your neck. I will climb your back, leap out, and help you.”
Goat believed him. Fox climbed between his horns and jumped to the edge. But once outside, Fox started walking away.
“You promised to help!” Goat called. Fox turned. “Before jumping in, you should have thought about getting out.” His words did not make his broken promise fair. He left Goat behind.
A farmer heard Goat calling and lowered a rope to pull him to safety. Goat thanked him. From then on, he considered consequences before acting, especially when the person offering advice stood to gain something.
Moral of the Story
Think about consequences before acting, and question advice that benefits the adviser.
Questions to Discuss
- How did Fox fall into the well?
- What did he tell Goat?
- What question did Goat forget to ask?
- Did Fox keep his promise?
- Who helped Goat?
- Why should we think before following advice?
The Donkey in the Lion’s Skin
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