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 Lion the Mouse and the Fox
In "The Lion the Mouse and the Fox," a captivating moral story, a lion wakes in anger after a mouse runs across him, prompting a fox to mock his fear of such a small creature. The lion clarifies that it is not the mouse itself that troubles him, but the mouse's disrespectful behavior, illustrating the educational moral that even small offenses can be significant. This simple short story with moral teaches that little liberties are great offenses, making it a valuable addition to short tales with moral lessons.

The Wolf and the Ostrich
In the creative moral story "The Wolf and the Ostrich," a wolf chokes on a bunch of keys after eating a man and asks an ostrich for help to retrieve them. The ostrich obliges but humorously claims that a kind act is its own reward, asserting that she has eaten the keys instead. This whimsical tale serves as a life-lesson moral story, illustrating that selflessness does not always seek a reward.

The Mouse the Frog and the Hawk
In this short story with moral, a Mouse befriends a mischievous Frog who binds their feet together and drags the Mouse into the water, leading to its drowning. The Frog, reveling in the water, meets a grim fate when a Hawk captures both the dead Mouse and itself. This humorous story illustrates that those who cause harm to others may ultimately suffer consequences themselves, making it a fitting tale for students seeking moral lessons.
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.