Indian Fairy Tales · Chapter
The Ass in the Lion's Skin explained
This chapter discusses the Jataka tale of the Ass in the Lion's Skin, tracing its parallels in Somadeva, Aesop, Babrius, and Avian.
What happens
This chapter discusses the Jataka tale of the Ass in the Lion's Skin, tracing its parallels in Somadeva, Aesop, Babrius, and Avian. It notes that the Indian version provides a plausible motive for the masquerade, unlike the standard Aesopic version, and argues for an Indian origin of the fable.
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
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the sons, believing their father now possesses hidden wealth,…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Cunning and Wisdom
The ass's disguise as a lion is an act of cunning, though ultimately unsuccessful.
- Cultural Transmission and Borrowing
The chapter highlights the transmission of the fable from India to Greek and Latin traditions, illustrating cultural borrowing.
Characters to notice
- The Ass in the Lion's Skin
The titular character of the fable, an ass who disguises himself in a lion's skin.
- Aesop
Mentioned as the Greek source of the Aesopic parallels.
- Somadeva
Author of the Katha Sarit Sagara, which contains a parallel version of the tale.
Key passages
“There can be little doubt that the Ass in the Lion’s Skin is from India.”
The fable almost certainly originated in India.
The author asserts an Indian origin for the tale.
“As Prof. Rhys-Davids remarks, the Indian form gives a plausible motive for the masquerade which is wanting in the ordinary Aesopic version.”
Professor Rhys-Davids notes that the Indian version provides a believable reason for the disguise, unlike the standard Aesopic telling.
Highlights a key difference between the Indian and Greek versions.
