Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Impostor explained
A man who falsely promises a grand sacrifice to the gods is tricked into being sold into slavery for exactly the amount he pretended to offer.
What happens
A man who falsely promises a grand sacrifice to the gods is tricked into being sold into slavery for exactly the amount he pretended to offer.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the victor Cock, swollen with pride after his triumph, is sud…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Cunning and Deception
The man attempts to deceive the gods with false offerings, but the gods outwit him in return.
- Justice and Consequence
The gods ensure the man's dishonest vow leads to a fitting punishment—being sold for the exact sum he pretended to offer.
Characters to notice
- The Ox
Referenced in the man's vow to sacrifice a hundred oxen, though he had none.
Key passages
“Do not promise more than you can perform.”
Never make a promise you cannot keep.
The moral of the fable, warning against empty vows.
