The Lion and the Mouse
Introduction
This short fable belongs to the Aesop tradition. The retelling keeps the familiar sequence: the lion lets the mouse go, a net traps him, and the mouse cuts the ropes. Beyond the rescue, notice the lion's choice to show mercy, the mouse's patience, and the lion's willingness to admit he was wrong.
Story source：Three Hundred Æsop's Fables — The Lion And The Mouse
Cultural origin：Ancient Greek fable tradition; retold from the cited English collection
The plot follows this collection. Both texts here are new retellings, not reproductions of its wording.
Vocabulary from "The Lion and the Mouse"
6 key words from this story with definitions and original context sentences for language learners.
afraid
害怕的
Still, he saw how frightened she was, and lifted his paw.
但他看见老鼠害怕的样子，还是松开了爪子。
tried hard to get free
挣扎
The harder he struggled, the tighter the ropes became.
狮子越挣扎，绳子缠得越紧。
a loud cry from a lion
吼叫声
He gave a loud roar.
他大声吼叫，声音传到了老鼠耳中。
a tied part of a rope
绳结
When she saw the net, she began to chew through a knot.
老鼠循着声音跑来，看见狮子被困，便从一根绳结咬起。
with patience
耐心地
Her teeth were small, but she worked patiently.
老鼠的牙齿很小，却咬得很耐心。
an opportunity
机会
You gave me a chance.
你给过我一次机会。
Reading Together & Learning More
The Moral
Do not dismiss what someone can do because they are small.
Educational Value
Discuss kindness, respect and mutual help; notice that people bring different strengths.
Tips for Parents
Ask why the lion laughed and what changed his mind. Kindness need not depend on a reward.
Talk About It
- Why did the lion think the mouse could not help him?
- What ability did the mouse use to rescue him?
- What would you say to the mouse if you were the lion?
