The Cat and the Cock
Story Summary
In "The Cat and the Cock," a Cat captures a Cock and seeks a justification for eating him, accusing the Cock of disturbing men with his nighttime crowing. Despite the Cock's defense that his crowing helps men wake for their labors, the Cat dismisses his pleas, illustrating a big moral story about the disregard of reason in the face of predation. This short story with moral highlights the consequences of selfishness and the importance of understanding intentions in life-changing stories.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that clever excuses cannot save one from the predatory intentions of the powerful.
Historical Context
This fable, likely attributed to Aesop, reflects themes of power dynamics and deception found in many ancient tales. Originating from a tradition of oral storytelling in ancient Greece, it has been retold across cultures, emphasizing moral lessons about the cunning of the strong over the weak. This particular fable illustrates the idea that those in power may manipulate reasoning to justify their actions, a common motif in folklore that serves to critique social hierarchies and the nature of justice.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights how the powerful often manipulate situations to justify their actions, a lesson relevant in today's world where those in authority may twist narratives to serve their interests. For instance, in the workplace, a manager might unfairly criticize an employee's performance to rationalize a layoff, despite the employee's hard work and contributions, reminding us to be aware of the motives behind criticisms and to stand up for ourselves justly.
You May Also Like
The Stag in the Ox-Stall
In this short story with moral, a Stag, chased by hounds, hides among oxen in a shed, believing he has found safety. Despite warnings from the Ox about the master’s keen observation, the Stag’s overconfidence leads to his capture when the master discovers him. This animal story with moral teaches the lesson that trusting in false security can lead to one's downfall, emphasizing the importance of being aware of real dangers for personal growth.
The Hawk and the Nightingale
In the classic moral story "The Hawk and the Nightingale," a Hawk captures a Nightingale and dismisses his pleas for freedom, arguing that he would be foolish to forgo an easy meal for the uncertainty of pursuing larger prey. This short moral story illustrates the wisdom of valuing what is readily available rather than chasing after uncertain prospects. As with many small moral stories, it teaches a timeless lesson about the dangers of greed and the importance of appreciating the present.
The Debaters
In "The Debaters," a Hurled-back Allegation encounters an Inkstand mid-air, questioning how the Honourable Member could anticipate its return. The Inkstand reveals that the member was unprepared for a clever comeback but sought to gain an advantage nonetheless, illustrating a moral lesson about the importance of readiness in life-changing situations. This concise moral story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the desire to get ahead can reveal our limitations in preparation and wit.
Related Collections
Other names for this story
Feline Feast, The Cock's Defense, Nighttime Nuisance, The Cat's Dilemma, Rooster Ruckus, Suppertime Showdown, Claw and Cluck, The Purrfect Excuse
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of deceit and survival, illustrating how those in power often manipulate the truth to justify their actions, regardless of the moral implications. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of being at the mercy of a predator who twists reason to suit their own desires.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.