The Hunter and the Woodman

Summary

This story is about a timid hunter who claims to seek the tracks of a lion but becomes fearful when offered the opportunity to meet the lion itself. Upon encountering a woodcutter in the forest, the hunter inquires about any signs of the lion's presence. The woodcutter boldly offers to show the hunter the lion directly, but the hunter becomes visibly frightened and declines, insisting he only wants to find tracks, not the animal itself. The narrative highlights themes of bravery, fear, and the difference between claiming to seek adventure and facing it directly. This story can teach children about the importance of courage and evaluating one's readiness to confront their fears.

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A Hunter, not very bold, was searching for the tracks of a Lion. He asked a man felling oaks in the forest if he had seen any marks of his footsteps or knew where his lair was. “I will,” said the man, “at once show you the Lion himself.” The Hunter, turning very pale and chattering with his teeth from fear, replied, “No, thank you. I did not ask that; it is his track only I am in search of, not the Lion himself.”