Story Summary
Read the classic Aesop tale The Fox and the Stork, a clever story about trickery and justice where a sly fox finally meets his match during a dinner invitation.
A Fox once invited a Stork to dinner and, being in a mischievous mood, served nothing but soup in a very shallow dish. The Fox lapped it up with ease, but the Stork, with her long beak, could not manage a single drop. She left the table as hungry as when she arrived. To return the favor, the Stork invited the Fox to dinner the following week. She served the meal in a tall, narrow-necked jar. The Stork easily reached the food with her long bill, while the Fox could only lick the outside of the vessel. The Fox realized his mistake as the Stork dined heartily, proving that those who practice trickery must expect to be paid back in kind.
The Moral
Do not play tricks on others if you are not prepared to have the same trick played on you.
“One bad turn deserves another.”
Fun Fact
This fable was so popular in the 17th century that it was featured as one of the 39 labyrinth statues in the Gardens of Versailles built for Louis XIV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Fox and the Stork?
The moral is that you should treat others the way you wish to be treated, as trickery often results in being tricked in return.
Who wrote The Fox and the Stork?
The story is attributed to Aesop, a storyteller believed to have lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE.
Why couldn't the Stork eat the Fox's soup?
The Fox served the soup in a very shallow dish, which was impossible for the Stork to use because of her long, narrow beak.
How did the Stork get revenge on the Fox?
The Stork invited the Fox to dinner and served the food in a tall, narrow-necked jar that the Fox's snout could not reach into.
What does the shallow dish symbolize in the story?
The shallow dish symbolizes selfishness and a lack of consideration for the specific needs or circumstances of others.
Is The Fox and the Stork a Greek fable?
Yes, it is one of the most famous Greek fables from the Aesopic tradition, focusing on social reciprocity and justice.