An Antidote
Story Summary
In "An Antidote," a young ostrich experiences severe stomach pain after consuming a whole keg of nails, leading to a humorous yet cautionary tale. Concerned for its health, the mother instructs the ostrich to swallow a claw-hammer as a remedy. This engaging moral story teaches kids the importance of making wise dietary choices, making it a perfect addition to short bedtime stories with moral lessons.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that poor choices can lead to painful consequences, and one must seek appropriate remedies to correct mistakes.
Historical Context
This story reflects a humorous and cautionary tone reminiscent of fables found in various cultures, particularly in Aesop's Fables, which often feature animals as characters to impart moral lessons. The absurdity of the situation—a young ostrich consuming nails—highlights themes of folly and the importance of guidance from elders. This type of narrative may originate from oral traditions that use animals to convey wisdom in a comedic manner, appealing to both children and adults.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the importance of making wise choices and the consequences of reckless behavior, which is highly relevant in today's world where impulsive decisions, especially regarding health and lifestyle, can have serious repercussions. For instance, consider a young adult who frequently opts for fast food over nutritious meals; over time, this habit could lead to significant health issues, prompting a mentor or parent to intervene with advice on healthier eating habits to avoid long-term damage.
You May Also Like
The Monkey and the Fishermen
In this thought-provoking moral story, a curious monkey observes fishermen casting their nets and, eager to imitate them, attempts to fish himself. However, he becomes hopelessly tangled in the net and ultimately drowns, realizing too late that he should not have engaged in something for which he was untrained. This famous fable imparts a concise moral lesson about the dangers of overstepping one's abilities.
The Old Man and The Ass
In "The Old Man and The Ass," a classic among concise moral stories, an old man and his ass encounter a lush meadow, where the carefree animal prioritizes its own comfort over the man's warnings about approaching robbers. This dynamic illustrates themes of self-interest and the relationship between master and servant, serving as a reminder found in many famous fables with moral lessons: sometimes, one's own safety may be overlooked in the pursuit of personal pleasure. Ultimately, the tale underscores the importance of recognizing the true nature of those we rely on in moral-based storytelling.
The Swollen Fox
In this famous moral story, a hungry fox indulges in bread and meat found in a hollow oak, only to become trapped due to his gluttony. Another fox advises him that he must wait until he loses weight to escape, illustrating the life-changing moral that moderation is key. This concise moral story serves as a reminder of the consequences of overindulgence.
Other names for this story
Nail Biter, Ostrich's Plight, The Claw-Hammer Cure, Wings of Woe, The Painful Snack, A Mother's Remedy, Ostrich Antidote, Healing Wings
Did You Know?
This story humorously illustrates the theme of misguided choices and the consequences of poor decisions, using the absurdity of an ostrich consuming nails to highlight the importance of guidance and wisdom in nurturing young ones.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.