An Inadequate Fee
Story Summary
In "An Inadequate Fee," a trapped Ox enlists the help of a Political Pull, who rescues him from the mire but is left with only the Ox's skin as a reward. Discontent with this meager fee, the Political Pull vows to return for more, highlighting the lessons learned from stories about greed and the costs of assistance. This short moral story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the value of help received, even in challenging situations.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that those who exploit others for personal gain may find their rewards insufficient and face discontent with the outcomes of their actions.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes from Aesop’s fables, which often convey moral lessons through anthropomorphized animals and situations that highlight human folly and vice. The narrative echoes the fable tradition's exploration of political and social dynamics, illustrating the potential exploitation inherent in relationships of power and the consequences of reliance on others. Similar retellings can be found in various cultures, where the interplay between dependency and manipulation is a recurring motif, emphasizing the moral complexities of human nature.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the dangers of relying on influential connections at the expense of one's own well-being, a theme that resonates in modern life where networking and favoritism can sometimes lead to exploitation. For instance, a young professional might seek the help of a powerful mentor to secure a job, only to later find themselves overworked and underappreciated, realizing that the mentor's support came with strings attached that ultimately benefit the mentor more than the mentee.
You May Also Like
The Holy Deacon
In "The Holy Deacon," a short tale with a moral, an itinerant preacher enlists a Holy Deacon to collect donations from a reluctant congregation, promising him a quarter of the proceeds. However, after the collection, the Deacon reveals that the hardened hearts of the congregation yielded nothing for him, illustrating a life lesson about the challenge of generosity. This easy small story serves as a poignant reminder for young readers about the complexities of faith and giving in short story collections with moral themes.
The Hen and the Golden Eggs
In this wisdom-packed moral story, a cottager and his wife, driven by greed, decide to kill their Hen that laid a golden egg every day, believing it must contain a treasure inside. However, they learn a valuable lesson when they discover the Hen was just like their other hens, ultimately depriving themselves of their daily wealth. This unique moral story highlights the dangers of impatience and greed, offering impactful lessons learned from stories that entertain while teaching.
The Lion and the Hare
In this creative moral story, a Lion encounters a sleeping Hare and, tempted by the sight of a passing Hart, abandons his sure meal for a chance at a larger prize. After a futile chase, he returns only to find the Hare has escaped, realizing too late that he lost both opportunities. This meaningful story teaches that sometimes, in pursuit of greater gains, we risk losing what we already possess.
Other names for this story
A Political Pull's Fee, The Cost of Rescue, A Deal with the Devil, The Price of Help, Nature's Invoice, The Ox's Dilemma, Fat and Fees, A Tangled Rescue
Did You Know?
This fable cleverly critiques the exploitation inherent in political systems, illustrating how those in power often seek to benefit from the struggles of others while leaving the original victim with little to show for their plight. The Ox's reliance on the "Political Pull" serves as a metaphor for how individuals may become pawns in larger schemes, ultimately leading to their own detriment.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.