Jupiter and the Monkey
Story Summary
In "Jupiter and the Monkey," a culturally significant moral story, Jupiter promises a reward for the handsomest offspring in the forest. The Monkey proudly presents her ill-featured son, asserting that he is the most beautiful in her eyes, despite the laughter of others. This short and sweet moral story teaches kids that a mother's love transcends appearances, highlighting simple lessons from stories about self-acceptance and inner beauty.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The love of a parent for their child transcends external appearances and societal opinions.
Historical Context
This fable is reminiscent of Aesop's collection of moral tales, which originated in ancient Greece around the 6th century BCE. Aesop's fables often feature anthropomorphized animals and convey moral lessons through their narratives, reflecting cultural values about family, perception, and self-acceptance. The story highlights the theme of maternal love and subjective beauty, common in various retellings across cultures, illustrating how love can blind one to flaws in their offspring.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the theme of unconditional love and the subjective nature of beauty, reminding us that personal connections often lead to biased perceptions of worth. In modern life, a parent may celebrate their child's unique talents and individuality, regardless of societal standards, as seen when a mother proudly shares her child's achievements at a school talent show, knowing that to her, their success is unparalleled.
You May Also Like
The Goods and the Ills
In "The Goods and the Ills," a culturally significant moral story, the Goods are expelled from their rightful place in humanity by the Ills, who, due to their overwhelming numbers, dominate the earth. Seeking justice, the Goods appeal to Jupiter, who decrees that the Ills will arrive in groups while the Goods will come individually, resulting in a world where Ills are abundant and Goods are scarce, given only to those who can recognize their true value. This short story with moral lessons highlights the importance of discernment and the challenges of recognizing goodness amidst adversity.
Jupiter Neptune Minerva and Momus
In an ancient legend, Jupiter, Neptune, and Minerva each create significant entities—man, bull, and house—and dispute over whose creation is the most perfect. They appoint Momus as a judge, but his incessant faultfinding leads to humorous critiques of each creation, prompting Jupiter's indignation and Momus's expulsion from Olympus. This funny story offers an uplifting moral about the pitfalls of constant criticism, making it a delightful addition to bedtime moral stories and simple moral tales.
The Monkey and the Camel
In the inspirational short story "The Monkey and the Camel," the Monkey captivates the forest animals with his delightful dance, earning their applause. Envious of his success, the Camel attempts to imitate him but fails miserably, leading to his embarrassment and expulsion by the other animals. This quick moral story illustrates the life lesson that it is foolish to try to ape those who are more skilled, reminding us of the importance of recognizing our own strengths.
Other names for this story
Jupiter's Royal Decree, The Monkey's Bold Claim, Beauty in a Monkey's Eyes, Jupiter's Handsome Challenge, The Monkey's Heartfelt Pride, Forest Beasts and Beauty, A Mother's Love and Jupiter's Prize, The Unlikely Beauty Contest
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of maternal love and subjective beauty, illustrating how a mother's affection can shape her perception of her child's worth, regardless of societal standards or opinions. It serves as a reminder that love often blinds us to imperfections and elevates our own to an unparalleled status.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.