About the Author
Leo Tolstoy was a famous writer from Russia. He lived long ago, from 1828 to 1910. He wrote many stories for children and grown-ups. His books teach good lessons about life, like being kind and honest. This story is one of his simple tales from old times. Tolstoy loved animals and nature, and he used them in his stories to show big ideas in an easy way.
What’s the Story About?
This story is like a fun old tale about a dog who wants a strong friend to keep him safe. Long ago, dogs lived in the wild forest, just like wolves. They had no home or boss. They had to find food on their own, and life was hard with hunger and cold.
One day, a dog got tired of this free life. He said to himself, "I need a master who is the strongest of all. Then, no one can hurt me, and I can eat well." So, he started walking to find such a master.
First, he met a big, angry wolf in the forest. The wolf looked very strong and scary. The dog thought, "This wolf can be my boss." He said to the wolf, "Let me be your servant. I will help you and follow you everywhere." The wolf liked this and said yes. They walked together, with the dog following the wolf.
But soon, a huge bear came along. The bear was even bigger and growled loudly. The wolf got scared and ran away fast, leaving the dog alone. The dog felt sad and angry. He said, "This wolf is not strong enough. I need a better master." So, he ran after the bear and said, "Please let me serve you. You are so big and powerful." The bear agreed, and now the dog walked behind the bear.
They went on until they saw a lion. The lion was the king of the forest, with a big roar and sharp teeth. The bear shook with fear and hid behind a tree. The dog saw this and thought, "The bear is also not the strongest." He left the bear and went to the lion. "O mighty lion, make me your servant," he begged. The lion smiled and said, "Good, come with me."
Now, the dog was happy with the lion. But one day, while they were walking, a man came with a long stick and a club. The man looked calm but ready to fight. The lion saw the man and got very afraid. He turned and ran into the bushes. The dog was surprised. He went to the man and asked, "Who are you? Even the lion ran from you!"
The man said, "I am a hunter. This stick and club make me strong. No animal can beat me." The dog felt joy in his heart. He said, "You are the strongest! Let me be your servant forever. I will guard your home and help you." The man was happy and took the dog home. From that day, the dog lived with the man, safe and well-fed. He never looked back.
The story shows how the dog found the best master after trying others. It is a happy ending where the dog learns that serving a strong one brings peace.
Who’s Who in the Story
- The Dog: The main hero. He is smart and brave but tired of wild life. He wants safety and food, so he looks for a strong master.
- The Wolf: The first boss the dog picks. He is fierce and quick but runs away from danger. He is strong but not the strongest.
- The Bear: The second master. He is big and heavy, like a giant of the forest. But he hides from bigger threats.
- The Lion: The third master. He is the forest king, proud and loud. Yet, he fears humans.
- The Man: The final and best master. He is clever with tools like sticks and clubs. He is calm and protects the dog.
Themes and Moral
Themes:
- Finding Safety: The story talks about how it feels scary to be alone in a big world. The dog learns that having someone strong to follow makes life better.
- Loyalty: Once the dog picks a master, he stays true and works hard. It shows being a good friend means sticking together.
- Strength in Cleverness: Real power is not just big size or loud roars. The man wins with smart tools, not muscles.
Moral: It is better to serve someone stronger than you for protection and peace. But choose wisely – the best master is one who is kind and unbeatable.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key words and short groups of words from the story. I explain them in easy, daily language:
- Famine: When there is very little food for a long time, and everyone goes hungry. Like when rains fail and crops don't grow.
- Wild: Living free in the forest, without a house or rules. Animals like tigers live wild.
- Fierce: Very angry and ready to fight. Like a street dog barking at strangers.
- Trot: To run in a light, quick way, not too fast. Like a puppy playing in the park.
- Servant: Someone who helps and follows the boss. Like a helper who does small jobs for pay.
- Growl: A low, angry sound from the throat, like "grrr." Dogs do it when they are mad.
- Mighty: Very strong and powerful. Like calling a wrestler "mighty hero."
- Faithfully: Doing your job with full heart and trust, without cheating. Like a good student who studies every day.
These words make the story fun. Try using them in your own sentences!