Story

The Tortoise and the Hare

Slow and steady wins the race.

Author: By Retold by the OpenChronicle editorial team
Reviewed by: Reviewed by Priya Nair
Last reviewed: Last reviewed 2026-05-20
Reading time: 4 min read

A short fable about the difference between speed and steadiness.

This retelling of Aesop's classic fable is presented in three scenes, each with its own turning point.

Scene 1: The Challenge

A hare boasts endlessly about his speed, mocking a tortoise for being slow. Tired of the teasing, the tortoise calmly proposes a race, certain only that he will try his best.

Scene 2: The Race Begins

At the signal, the hare bounds far ahead and, confident of an easy win, stops to nap beneath a shady tree. The tortoise passes him step by unhurried step, never stopping.

Scene 3: The Finish Line

The hare wakes to find the tortoise already crossing the finish line. His speed could not make up for the time he gave away.

Slow and steady wins the race.— Traditional moral