The Donkey in the Lion Skin

Aesop Fable, Retold by The Legendary Connection

Tales of Honesty & Integrity

You’ll find the full text of this classic story below… free to enjoy anytime.

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In a quiet meadow not far from a bustling farm, lived a donkey named Theo. He was sturdy and kind, always helping carry loads and transport goods, but the other animals didn’t treat him kindly.

“Here comes Theo, the long-eared joke!” teased the magpies.

"Cover your ears! Theo’s singing again!" the rabbits giggled.

Theo pretended not to mind, but inside, he wished he were someone else, someone the other animals respected. One evening, while walking along the edge of the forest, Theo spotted something strange caught in the bushes: a golden lion’s skin. It must have blown in from a hunter’s camp nearby.

Curious, he tugged it free and slipped it over his back. It fit surprisingly well. His ears drooped a bit, and his tail poked out, but in the fading light, he looked quite fierce.

He peeked at his reflection in a puddle and gasped. He didn’t see a donkey anymore. He saw a lion!

The next morning, Theo walked through the meadow wearing the lion’s skin. Rabbits scattered. Birds flew off in a flutter. Even the fox, who usually strutted boldly, backed away.

Theo blinked. “They’re scared of me! They think I’m a lion!” He stood a little taller.

Wherever he went, animals gave him space. They bowed or ran or stayed very, very quiet. For the first time, Theo felt important.

But there was one problem, he couldn’t speak. If he did, they’d know he wasn’t a lion at all. So he stayed silent, nodding instead of greeting, watching instead of singing. It was strange not to be himself, but on the other hand he really liked the way others treated him while he wore the lion’s skin.

Then one day, while walking near the farmhouse, Theo met Rooster Red the old, clever bird who had seen just about everything.

Rooster Red squinted at him. “You’re not from around here, are you?” Theo shook his head and tried to walk away. “Don’t be shy! Let’s hear your roar.”

Theo froze. Other animals gathered to listen. The fox peeked out from behind a bush. The goats stared wide-eyed.

Theo wanted to run, but something inside him said “Maybe just a little roar won’t hurt.” He opened his mouth and let out the biggest sound he could.

“HEE-HAWWW!”

Silence. Then snickers. Then laughter.

“You’re no lion!” cackled Rooster Red. “You’re Theo, in a fuzzy costume!”

The fox rolled over with giggles. The rabbits bounced with laughter. Even the chickens clucked and danced.

Theo pulled off the lion’s skin, ears drooping. “I only wanted to feel respected,” he whispered. “I didn’t mean to fool anyone.”

Rooster Red flapped over and put a wing on Theo’s shoulder. “You don’t need a costume to matter. You’re strong and helpful, and you never give up. That’s worth more than looking scary.”

Theo blinked. “You really think so?”

“I know so. And if you can laugh at yourself and still be kind, you’ve got something better than a roar. You’ve got heart.”

Rooster Red’s words were a good lesson to Theo. He should embrace being himself. They were also a good reminder to the other animals gathered not to tease others about their differences.

From that day on, Theo was treated differently, but not because he was fierce. Because of who he was being who he was always meant to be; helpful, honest, and true.

Story adapted from: Jones, V.S. Vernon. Aesop’s Fables. New York, Avenel Books, 1912.