Aesop’s Fables were stories written to teach a lesson. In this particular story, a hare and a tortoise are used. The hare is a somewhat self righteous, prideful and arrogant character, while the tortoise is the consistent hard working type.

During one of his bragging sessions, the tortoise decides to challenge the hare to a race. The hare, somewhat startled by the challenge, begins to think about adding another trophy to the mantle. The hare accepts the challenge. The forest animals begin to set up the course including the starting and finishing line.

As they approach the starting line, the forest animals are in shock that the tortoise has made this challenge. Anticipation grows as the starter gets his starting gun ready. As the gun goes off, the hare is gone so quickly that he is around the first bend before the tortoise even gets all of his feet across the starting line.

The forest animals watching the tortoise decide they better get to the finish line or they might not see the hare finish. Meanwhile the hare continues his quick approach to the finish line. As he looks at the line, he realizes no spectators are at the finish line. How grand can it be to win a race, and have no one there to see it. Realizing his seemingly insurmountable lead, the hare decides to sit under a tree and take a nap.

Meanwhile the tortoise continues his steady pace. He keeps pressing on as though he feels he may have a chance to actually win the race. Finally to his amazement he sees the hare asleep under a tree with the finish line in sight.

The crowd begins to cheer the tortoise on, yet the hare does not awaken. He draws closer and closer to the finish line. The crowd amazed by this miraculous feat begins to stand, and applaud loudly. The tortoise final reaches the finish line, and as his feet cross the finish line, the hare awakens. He quickly dashes towards the finish line but is too late.

The lesson in this fable is slow and steady wins the race.
Rob Usakowski
Three Little Ladies Rabbitry