Might makes right. The powerful will always take what they want, and the wise learn from the mistakes of others.

Where does the phrase 'lion's share' come from?

Directly from this fable, where the lion takes all or nearly all of the prey.

What does the fox represent?

The fox represents prudence and the ability to learn from others' mistakes -- understanding that intelligence means knowing when to yield to greater power.

What does the lion symbolize in this fable?

The lion symbolizes raw power and the reality that those with strength will exploit it regardless of fairness or justice.

Is The Lion's Share still relevant today?

Extremely so. The fable describes power dynamics in business, politics, and international relations where stronger parties dominate weaker ones.

Fables

The Lion's Share

#Power

#Greed

#Injustice

Available Variants

Greece, Europe

The Lion's Share

Annotations Enabled

A Lion went hunting with a Fox and a Donkey. Together they caught a large stag. The Lion asked the Donkey to divide the spoils. The Donkey divided it into three equal parts and asked the others to choose. The Lion, in great anger, sprang upon the Donkey and killed him.

Then the Lion asked the Fox to divide the spoils. The Fox gathered almost all the meat into a single pile for the Lion, keeping only a tiny morsel for himself. The Lion smiled and asked, 'Who taught you to divide so well?' The Fox replied, 'The Donkey.' Partners with the powerful should expect nothing but lessons from the fallen.