In the heart of a bustling forest, where animals of all kinds lived, the Hare was known for his swiftness. One sunny day, he boasted loudly to anyone who would listen. “I am surely the fastest animal in the woods. No one can beat me!”
The Tortoise, tired of the Hare’s arrogant bragging, replied calmly, “Maybe so, but I could beat you in a race.”
The Hare burst into laughter. “Beat me? A slowpoke like you? What a joke! Let’s have a race then. We’ll see who’s the fastest.”
Excitedly, the other animals gathered to watch. Owl, the wise, set the course and the finish line. “Ready, steady, go!” he hooted.
Off dashed the Hare, leaving the Tortoise far behind. After a while, the Hare looked back and saw the Tortoise trailing at a slow pace. Confident of victory, he smirked, “Oh, Tortoise, you’ll never catch up! I might as well relax a bit.”
Finding a shady spot, the Hare decided to take a quick nap. “I’m so far ahead, a few minutes won’t make a difference,” he thought.
Meanwhile, the Tortoise continued his slow and steady trek. He passed the sleeping Hare, never once stopping or looking back, focused only on the path ahead.
When the Hare finally awoke, he saw the Tortoise nearing the finish line. He sprinted with all his might, but it was too late. The Tortoise, steady and unswerving, crossed the finish line, greeted by cheers from the other animals.
The Hare, panting at the finish line, could hardly believe it. “How did you beat me?”
The Tortoise replied, “You may be fast, Hare, but slow and steady wins the race. Persistence is key.”
Moral of The Tortoise and the Hare
“Slow and steady wins the race.”
Read the moral story of The Ant and the Grasshopper.
The Mother and The Wolf — The Dog and The Shadow — The Eagle & the Beetle