The Crow and the Serpent
Story Summary
In "The Crow and the Serpent," a timeless moral story, a hungry crow mistakenly believes he has found a fortunate meal in a sleeping serpent. However, the serpent's fatal bite leads to the crow's demise, teaching a valuable lesson about the dangers of greed and misjudgment. This meaningful tale serves as a reminder that what appears to be a lucky opportunity can sometimes be a source of destruction in real-life stories with moral significance.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Be cautious of what appears to be a fortunate opportunity, as it may lead to your downfall.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, reflects themes found in ancient Greek storytelling, where animals embody human traits to convey moral lessons. The tale warns against greed and the dangers of underestimating potential threats, echoing similar motifs in various cultures, such as the cautionary tales found in Indian Panchatantra and other folklore traditions. Aesop's fables have been retold and adapted throughout history, emphasizing their enduring relevance in illustrating the complexities of human nature.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the dangers of greed and the unforeseen consequences of our choices, a lesson that resonates in today's fast-paced world where instant gratification often leads to perilous outcomes. For instance, a person might impulsively invest in a high-risk stock that promises quick returns, only to suffer significant financial loss when the market turns, realizing too late that their greed overshadowed prudent judgment.
You May Also Like
The Crow and Mercury
In the fable "The Crow and Mercury," a crow, ensnared and desperate, prays to Apollo for rescue, promising to offer frankincense at his shrine, but forgets his vow once freed. Caught again, he makes a similar promise to Mercury, who scolds him for betraying Apollo and questioning his loyalty. This short story with moral illustrates the consequences of failing to honor one's commitments, a theme found in many well-known moral stories.
The Herdsman and the Lost Bull
In this very short moral story, a herdsman vows to sacrifice a lamb to the forest deities if he discovers the thief of his lost Bull-calf. When he finds a Lion devouring the Calf, panic sets in, leading him to wish for a full-grown Bull instead, illustrating the theme of moral-based storytelling about the consequences of one's vows and the instinct for self-preservation. This inspirational short story serves as a quick read with a valuable lesson about facing fears and the weight of promises.
The Crow and the Raven
In "The Crow and the Raven," a jealous Crow attempts to imitate the renowned Raven, a bird known for delivering omens, by cawing loudly to capture the attention of passing travelers. However, the travelers quickly dismiss the Crow's cries as meaningless, demonstrating that those who try to assume roles that don't suit them only end up looking foolish. This captivating moral story serves as a reminder that authenticity matters and aligns with the themes found in many famous moral stories.
Other names for this story
"Fatal Feast, The Crow's Regret, Serpent's Bite, Perilous Meal, The Deceptive Prize, Death from Desire, The Crow's Downfall, Lethal Lure"
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of the dangers of greed, as the Crow's desire for an easy meal leads to its demise, highlighting the idea that what may initially seem like a blessing can sometimes turn out to be a curse.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.