The Shepherd & the Lion by Aesop

Added: 2026-05-27

[00:00:00]The Shepherd and the Lion by Aesop, brought to you by tellstory.net.

[00:00:07]Stories from around the world.

[00:00:10]One day, a shepherd was counting his sheep and discovered that several were missing.

[00:00:16]Annoyed and determined, he loudly declared that he would catch the thief and punish him.

[00:00:22]Suspecting a wolf, the shepherd set out toward the rocky hills where wolves were known to hide.

[00:00:29]Before leaving, he vowed to Jupiter. If you help me find the thief, I will offer a fat calf as a sacrifice.

[00:00:37]The shepherd searched for a long time, but found no wolves.

[00:00:42]Just as he was passing a large cave, a huge lion emerged carrying a sheep in its jaws.

[00:00:49]Terrified, the shepherd fell to his knees and cried. Alas, Jupiter, I did not know what I was asking. If you make the thief go away, I promise you a full-grown bull.

[00:01:01]Sometimes what we ask for is more than we can handle. Be careful what you wish for.

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