The Christian Serpent
Story Summary
In "The Christian Serpent," a rattlesnake returns to his young to impart a life-changing story with a moral, preparing them for his impending death after being bitten by a partisan journal's editor. This engaging moral tale highlights the snake's acceptance of his fate and the profound impact of external criticism on his life, making it one of the top 10 moral stories worth reflecting upon.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates how betrayal and malice from those in positions of influence can lead to devastating consequences.
Historical Context
This story draws on themes of betrayal and the consequences of political discourse, echoing the historical context of partisan journalism that emerged prominently in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in the United States. The metaphor of the rattlesnake, often associated with both danger and wisdom, reflects the cultural symbolism found in various indigenous and colonial narratives, while the mention of a "Christian" dying indicates a critique of moral hypocrisy within political and social realms, reminiscent of other fables and satirical works like those of Aesop or Jonathan Swift.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the dangers of divisive rhetoric and the destructive impact of partisan conflict on personal relationships and communities. In modern life, we see this moral reflected in the polarization of social media, where individuals and families often find themselves at odds over differing political opinions, leading to hostility rather than constructive dialogue. For instance, a family dinner may turn sour when a seemingly harmless discussion about current events escalates into a heated argument, illustrating how venomous words can leave lasting wounds.
You May Also Like
The Lion and the Thorn
In this engaging moral tale, a lion, grateful for a shepherd's help in removing a thorn from his foot, spares him after a meal. However, when the shepherd is falsely accused and sentenced to be fed to the lions, one lion recognizes him and claims him as his own, leading to the shepherd's demise at the hands of the very creature he once aided. This timeless moral story serves as a cautionary reminder of how past kindness can be repaid in unexpected ways.
From the Minutes
In "From the Minutes," a misguided orator, proud of his supposed integrity, misinterprets a gesture of scorn directed at his reputation, leading to his mortifying collapse and death. His colleagues, reflecting on the simple lessons from his frequent nonsensical speeches, decide to honor him by adjourning whenever they are tired, illustrating the big moral story of the consequences of lacking common sense. This very short moral story serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and self-awareness.
The Goat and the Ass
In "The Goat and the Ass," a story often shared as a childhood tale with moral lessons, a Goat envies the Ass for its better food and persuades it to pretend to be ill to escape hard labor. The Ass follows this misguided advice, injuring itself in a ditch, which ultimately leads to the Goat being killed to treat the Ass's wounds. This culturally significant moral story illustrates the dangers of envy and the consequences of poor decisions, making it a valuable lesson for kids and students alike.
Other names for this story
"Last Blessing of the Serpent", "The Rattlesnake's Farewell", "Bite of the Editor", "Christianity and the Serpent", "Final Rattle", "Serpent's Last Words", "Partisan Bite", "Faith and Fangs"
Did You Know?
This story uses the metaphor of a rattlesnake, often associated with danger and venom, to critique the toxic nature of partisan journalism, suggesting that the divisive rhetoric in media can be more harmful than physical threats. The theme underscores the idea that the media's influence can be deadly to societal discourse and understanding.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.