Famous Fictional Characters: The Tortoise and the Hare - Boston, MA

The Tortoise and the Hare

Copley Square

Boston, MA

GPS: N42° 20.997; W 071° 04.565

Short Description:

The Tortoise and Hare characters in the fable by Aesop are located in Copley Square in the Back Bay of Boston, MA.

Long Description:

Bronze sculptures of Aesop's characters the Tortoise and the Hare were created by Nancy Schön and placed near the finish line of the Boston Marathon in Copley Square in 1994.  The sculpture is a tribute to all Boston Marathon  participants.  The larger-than-life figures are meant to emphasis the importance of effort and not the outcome of the race.  In the words of Aesop “slow but steady progress wins the race”.

The Tortoise and the Hare by Aesop

The Hare was once boasting of his speed before the other animals. "I have never yet been beaten," said he, "when I put forth my full speed. I challenge any one here to race with me."

     The Tortoise said quietly, "I accept your challenge."

     "That is a good joke," said the Hare; "I could dance round you all the way."

     "Keep your boasting till you've won," answered the Tortoise. "Shall we race?"

     So a course was fixed and a start was made. The Hare darted almost out of sight at once, but soon stopped and, to show his contempt for the Tortoise, lay down to have a nap. The Tortoise plodded on and plodded on, and when the Hare awoke from his nap, he saw the Tortoise just near the winning-post and could not run up in time to save the race.

     Then the Tortoise said: "Slow but steady progress wins the race."