The Ass and the Grasshopper

Story Summary
In the well-known moral story "The Ass and the Grasshopper," an ass becomes enchanted by the beautiful singing of grasshoppers and, in his desire to emulate them, decides to live solely on dew, believing it to be the secret to their melody. This foolish choice leads to his tragic death from starvation, illustrating that attempting to imitate others without understanding their needs can have dire consequences. This simple moral story serves as a cautionary tale for students about the dangers of envy and blind imitation.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that one should not blindly imitate others without understanding their needs and circumstances.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, reflects themes of envy and the folly of aspiring to unattainable qualities. Originating in ancient Greece, it has been retold across cultures, emphasizing the moral that one should appreciate their own nature rather than covet the attributes of others. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unrealistic aspirations and the importance of understanding one's limitations.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the dangers of envy and the folly of abandoning one's nature in pursuit of superficial qualities. In modern life, a scenario reflecting this moral could involve an individual who, in their quest for popularity on social media, neglects their genuine interests and well-being, ultimately facing burnout and dissatisfaction when they realize that authenticity is more fulfilling than the fleeting allure of online validation.
You May Also Like

The Ass and the Wolf
In "The Ass and the Wolf," a classic fable from the realm of moral stories written for both entertainment and instruction, an Ass feigns lameness to deceive a predatory Wolf. When the Wolf offers to help by removing a thorn, the Ass kicks him and escapes, prompting the Wolf to reflect on the folly of trying to heal instead of embracing his nature as a predator. This long story with moral highlights the importance of understanding one’s true role in life, making it a fitting choice for bedtime moral stories.

The Horse and the Stag
In this heartwarming moral story, the Horse, once the sole ruler of the plain, seeks revenge on a Stag that intrudes into his pasture. Enlisting the help of a man who promises to aid him, the Horse ultimately finds himself enslaved to the very human he sought to empower, illustrating a powerful lesson about the consequences of vengeance and the importance of freedom. This tale serves as a poignant reminder of the lessons from moral stories that resonate in childhood stories with moral lessons.

The Ass and the Old Shepherd
In the engaging moral tale "The Ass and the Old Shepherd," a shepherd warns his lazy Ass about an approaching enemy, but the Ass dismisses the danger, claiming that a change in leadership won't improve his burdens. This well-known moral story illustrates that for the oppressed, a shift in power often leads to no real change in their lives, reflecting the sentiment that the poor merely exchange one master for another. Ultimately, it serves as an entertaining reminder that the struggles of the underprivileged remain constant, regardless of who rules.
Other names for this story
"The Foolish Ass's Folly", "Dew Dreams of the Ass", "Grasshopper's Melodic Allure", "The Ass's Hungry Ambition", "Charmed by Chirps", "Melody and Misfortune", "The Price of Imitation", "Lessons from the Grasshopper"
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the folly of trying to imitate others without understanding the underlying realities of their lives, emphasizing that envy can lead to self-destructive choices. The Ass's demise serves as a cautionary reminder that not all attributes can be attained through superficial means, and wisdom often comes too late for those who fail to recognize their own strengths and limitations.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.