# The Ox — Aesop's Fables character guide

> The Ox in Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** the Ox, The Ox, an Ox, Ox

**First appearance:** 0088-the-wild-boar-and-the-fox

## Who they are

A strong and patient work animal who appears in several fables.

## In the story

### [The Stag in the Ox-Stall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-stag-in-the-ox-stall)

Warns the stag of the danger and later expresses doubt about his safety.

### [The Oxen and the Axletrees](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-oxen-and-the-axletrees)

The oxen are the hardworking pair who pull the heavy wagon and rebuke the axletrees for their unnecessary noise.

### [The Ox and the Frog](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-ox-and-the-frog)

The ox inadvertently crushes one of the little frogs while drinking from the pool, setting off the mother frog's fatal attempt to compare herself.

### [The Oxen and the Butchers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-oxen-and-the-butchers)

The old Ox who counsels patience and warns against the plan.

### [The Flea and the Ox](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-flea-and-the-ox)

Explains his gratitude to mankind for their kindness, feeding, housing, and affectionate pats.

### [The Heifer and the Ox](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-heifer-and-the-ox)

Works hard at the plough and is eventually set free while the Heifer is sacrificed.

### [The Ploughman, the Ass, and the Ox](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-ploughman-the-ass-and-the-ox)

Yoked with the Ass; surprised by the Ass's question and states the Ass will carry the master as usual.

### [The Man, the Horse, the Ox, and the Dog](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-man-the-horse-the-ox-and-the-dog)

Endows middle age with steadiness and hard work.

### [The Impostor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-impostor)

Referenced in the man's vow to sacrifice a hundred oxen, though he had none.

### [The Farmer and His Dogs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-farmer-and-his-dogs)

Last animal killed by the farmer when the storm shows no sign of improving.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fables_se/characters/the_ox
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fables_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fables_se/characters