Lions, Part 2: I enjoyed the meaning behind The Four Oxen and the Lion. Four companion oxen stand together each day for the protection of a hungry lion. One day, they separate and all fall victim to the lion's strength. This reminds me of the phrase, "strength in numbers." In safety situations people are stronger as a unit than as an individual. The story also shows the cleverness and patience of the lion. After waiting countless days he finally watches the oxen part ways. Immediately, he achieves his goal and takes all four.
Foxes, Part 1: I enjoyed the The Fox and the Stork. I loved that the persona of a swift and sneaky fox is definitely present within this story. The fox "jokingly" gives the stork a shallow dish so the stork cannot eat his soup. However, the best part about this story is the ending. At the stork's dinner party, the stork turns the joke around on the fox and gives him a long bowl meant for a bird's beak. In the end, the fox becomes the joke and his sneaky nature is put to shame. Do not play pranks because what goes around comes around.
"One bad turn deserves another."
Wolves: I enjoyed The Dog and the Wolf because it showed no matter how close two things can be related they are very different. The dog refers to the starving wolf as "cousin" and offers him a short walk into town to enjoy the plentiful amount of food provided for the dog. However, along the way the wolf notices a worn mark along the dog's neck because of a collar. The wolf parts way with the dog and would rather starve than be a man's slave. This was my favorite story from Aesop's Fables (Jacobs) because I can relate to the wolf. I am a risk taker and would prefer to take risks than live in comfort. I transferred to OU from South Carolina without knowing anybody and have found myself enjoying this experience every day.
Mice: The Lion and the Mouse was a terrific story. This story proves that no matter how large or powerful you may think you are, you'll always need help. The lion is persuaded by the mouse to spare his life and set him free. Soon enough, the mouse frees the lion from the trap. The duo even shows that good karma eventually comes back around. If you help others help will be returned to you even in the most odd of times. In addition, don't judge a book by its cover. The lion judged the mouse, but the mouse becomes the hero.
Deer: One of the stories that stuck out in my mind was The Hart and the Hunter. The buck spends hours a day glancing at his noble antlers, but hates his "nimble legs." As a hunter approaches, the buck runs through the forest and loses the hunter. However, his antlers become stuck in the brush and the hunter catches him. I loved the narcissistic angle to the story. The buck adores his amazing antlers, but hates his slim legs. In the end, his legs saved him, but what he loved most killed him. What I took from the story is don't rule out what you think is your weakness, because it might very well be your strength.
"We often despise what is most useful to us."
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