‘The Fox and the Hedgehog’
Two animals whose very existence is a source of utter fascination for children!
Now just try telling your child that you have a story for them that involves both a fox ‘and’ a hedgehog! Needless to say, you will undoubtedly see their faces light up in excitement.
In this blog post from us at EuroKIds, we bring to parents and children alike, the Fox and Hedgehog Short Story. This classic tale of The Fox and the Hedgehog, after all, has a vital moral lesson to impart to children and adults alike. Just like all the best stories do!
Go on a wonderful journey with the fox and the hedgehog, in this classic Aesop’s fable that has been passed down over the generations.Namely, the Fox and Hedgehog Short Story!
Table of Contents
- The Fox and Hedgehog Short Story
- The Moral of the Fox and Hedgehog Short Story
- Lessons to be learned from the Fox and the Hedgehog Story for KIds
The Fox and Hedgehog Short Story
Once upon a time, a fox found himself swimming through a river in a jungle, in an attempt to reach the other bank. Now, this river was big and wide, and the fox was barely able to reach the other side. When he finally made it, he lay there exhausted. After all, that continuous struggle with the swift current in the river had seemingly sucked all the energy out of him.
As the fox lay there, breathing hard, a swarm of flies descended on him out of nowhere. What made matters worse for him was, they were ‘blood-sucking’ flies! Little by little, they started sucking all the blood out of the poor fox’s exhausted body. The fox, too tired to defend himself against these invaders, simply did nothing at all and instead, let himself succumb to the fate that had befallen him.
In a short while, there appeared a hedgehog, who had stumbled across the fox during his walk in the jungle. Observing the pitiful plight of the hapless fox, he kindly suggested:
‘Dear fox, would you like me to drive these flies away? Simply give me the go-ahead, and I will waste no time in doing so!’
The fox at first thought this was a brilliant idea. After all, he would finally be free from these terrible flies that had drained him of a vast amount of precious blood. However, just as he was about to say ‘yes’ to the hedgehog, he seemingly had a lightbulb moment. He said:
‘No, my dear hedgehog friend. Please do not disturb them.’
The hedgehog was confused. Here he was trying to help the poor fox from a terrible fate, and the animal was telling him not to disturb his attackers!
“But why, dear fox? Could you please explain?”
And the fox answered,
“You see, these flies have pretty much taken all the blood they can hold already. If you happen to disturb them, the only thing that will happen is, yet another swarm of bloodthirsty flies will come and take their place!”
The hedgehog, understanding these sage words, wished the poor fox all the best, and continued on his journey.
The Moral of the Fox and Hedgehog Short Story
The moral of the fox and hedgehog short story is indeed one that is vital for both adults and children alike. It is the following:
‘It is better to bear a lesser evil, than to risk a greater one in removing it’
Lessons to be learned from the Fox and The Hedgehog Story for KIds
The Fox and the Hedgehog Story can teach our children some pertinent life lessons.
- In life you will be faced with ‘lesser risks’ and ‘greater risks’
- Think before you make a decision
- There is always light at the end of the tunnel
Children should learn from an early age that it is always prudent to choose the lesser risks over the greater ones.
Note: Needless to say, we must not expose our children to risks just so they can learn this moral. Rather, they should be taught it by pointing out the same in certain life circumstances that come to pass.
What children can learn well from the fox here, is that it is always simpler to make the decision that comes first to our minds. However, if we think a bit harder, we might find better alternatives. In this instance, of course, ‘lesser risks’.
Children must learn from this story, that no matter how extenuating one’s circumstances might be, there is always the possibility of things working out for the better. The fox could have merely let himself die, by inviting another swarm of flies. However, he played it smart, powered by the belief that in the end, he would survive.
At EuroKids we believe that life is filled with a sense of immense unpredictability. We implore all parents to teach their children to manage themselves well in tricky situations. Take a leaf from this story, and encourage your kids to choose those ‘lesser evils’ over the ‘greater’ ones, in all circumstances!
