The Ox and the Gnat – Aesop’s Fables – Story and Analysis

The Ox and the Gnat – Aesop’s Fables – Story and Analysis

Aesop’s fables have long captivated readers with their timeless wisdom and moral lessons. Among these enchanting tales, “The Ox and the Gnat” stands as a thought-provoking story that imparts a valuable lesson about humility and perspective. In this article, we will explore the narrative of “The Ox and the Gnat” and delve into the underlying wisdom that continues to resonate with us today. This children’s short story is is a lesser known Aesop’s Fables kids story about a very conceited gnat and a huge Ox.  

If you want to read another thought provoking tale from the Aesop Fables, you can read The city mouse and the country mouse or the fox and the grapes.

The Ox and the Gnat story
The Ox and the Gnat story

 

The short story

Once upon a time, there was a large Ox who was eating grass in the meadow. He was silent and happy. He was eating slowly.

He did not bother any other animal or insect

A small gnat was buzzing nearby and was feeling very tired. It saw the huge bull and flew and rested on top of the horns of the bull.

The gnat rested for some time and soon felt refreshed. He flew in front of the bull and thanked the bull.

“Sir Bull. I am very sorry. I have been of so much inconvenience to you.”

The bull did not look up and continued to eat.

“You must be so glad that I am leaving now. I shall no long bother you” said the gnat to the bull.

The bull paused to eat and stared up at the gnat.

“You think too highly of yourself. I was not bothered by you in any way. I did not even know that you were there. I won’t notice when you are gone too.”

Saying so, the bull looked down and continued to eat the grass.

 

The moral of the Ox and the Gnat story:

The moral of the short story is: The smaller the mind, the greater the conceit…  

 

Questions and Answers on the Ox and the Gnat story

  1. Who are the characters in this story?
  2. Who is bigger, the Ox or the Gnat?
  3. Where did the Gnat sit?
  4. What is the moral of the story?
  5. How did the ox react to the gnat’s attempts to irritate it?
  6. What happened when the gnat flew into the ox’s ear?
  7. What was the gnat’s attitude towards the ox?
  8. What is the significance of the gnat’s actions in the story? 

Answers

  1. The characters in this story are an Ox and a Gnat.
  2. The Ox is much bigger than the Gnat.
  3. The Gnat sat on the horns of the Ox.
  4. The moral of the story is that you should not be concieted and think everything is about you. The fable teaches the importance of humility and perspective. It highlights the dangers of arrogance and the significance of recognizing one’s place in the world.
  5. The ox remained calm and composed, unaffected by the gnat’s presence, recognizing its insignificance compared to its own strength and size.
  6. The gnat’s presence in the ox’s ear caused immense discomfort, leading to the ox’s powerful movements that eventually threw the gnat to the ground.
  7. The gnat was filled with arrogance and boasted about its ability to torment and annoy the ox.
  8. The gnat’s actions highlight the dangers of arrogance and the consequences that come with underestimating the power and significance of others.

 

Summary of the story

“The Ox and the Gnat” tells the story of an ox peacefully grazing in a meadow. A persistent gnat continually buzzes around the ox, trying to irritate and provoke it. The ox, unaffected by the gnat’s presence, remains calm and composed, recognizing its insignificance compared to the grandeur of its own size and strength.

The gnat, filled with arrogance, boasts about its ability to torment and annoy the ox. However, in an unexpected turn of events, the gnat inadvertently flies into the ox’s ear, causing it immense discomfort. The ox’s powerful movements eventually throw the gnat to the ground, ending its nuisance.

 

Analysis of the story “The Ox and the Gnat”

  1. Practicing Humility: “The Ox and the Gnat” reminds us to practice humility in our interactions with others. By recognizing our place in the world and valuing the strengths and contributions of others, we can foster harmonious relationships and cultivate a humble attitude.

  2. Gaining Perspective: The fable prompts us to gain perspective in various situations. It encourages us to step back and consider the bigger picture, understanding that our individual actions and importance may be small in comparison to the grand scheme of things.

  3. Avoiding Arrogance: The story serves as a cautionary tale against arrogance and overestimating one’s abilities. It encourages us to remain grounded and respectful, valuing the diverse talents and strengths of others.

3 Comments

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