The Farmer and the Cranes
Story Summary
In "The Farmer and the Cranes," a farmer initially uses an empty sling to scare away cranes from his wheat fields, but when the birds no longer fear him, he loads the sling with stones and kills many. Realizing that his threats have turned into real danger, the surviving cranes decide it's time to leave for safety, understanding that when words fail, actions must follow. This impactful moral story teaches a valuable lesson about recognizing true threats, making it a memorable addition to famous fables with moral lessons and short bedtime stories with moral insights.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
When threats are ignored, decisive action may be necessary to enforce boundaries.
Historical Context
This fable, likely derived from Aesop's collection of moral stories, reflects themes of authority, the consequences of inaction, and the shift from mere threats to decisive action. Aesop's tales often used animal characters to convey lessons about human behavior and ethics, and similar motifs can be found in various cultures, emphasizing the universal nature of such moral teachings. The setting of agricultural life also highlights the relationship between humans and nature, a common backdrop in many fables throughout history.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable serves as a reminder that empty threats can only deter action for so long; eventually, decisive measures may be necessary to enforce boundaries and protect one’s interests. In modern life, consider a workplace scenario where a manager repeatedly warns employees about tardiness without consequence; eventually, when an employee pushes the limits, the manager may need to enforce strict penalties, demonstrating that actions often speak louder than words.
You May Also Like
The Wolf and the Feeding Goat
In "The Wolf and the Feeding Goat," a cunning Wolf attempts to lure a Goat down from her safe perch by boasting about the abundant, albeit misleading, food below. The clever Goat counters his claims by referencing the failed circus-poster crop, highlighting the Wolf's deceptive nature. This captivating moral story serves as an educational reminder of the importance of discernment in the face of temptation and false promises.
The Ass and the Mule
In this heartwarming moral story, a muleteer journeys with an Ass and a Mule, but when the Ass struggles under a heavy load on a steep path and requests help from the indifferent Mule, he is met with refusal. Tragically, the Ass collapses and dies, leading the muleteer to transfer the entire burden onto the Mule, who realizes too late that a small act of kindness could have prevented his current suffering. This tale serves as a poignant reminder that helping others in need can avert greater hardships, making it a meaningful story with a valuable moral for kids.
The Farmer and the Snake
In "The Farmer and the Snake," a classic moral story, a farmer's act of kindness in rescuing a frozen snake leads to his mortal injury when the snake bites him after being revived. This thought-provoking tale illustrates that not all creatures deserve compassion, highlighting a powerful lesson found in many childhood stories with moral undertones: the greatest kindness can sometimes be met with ungratefulness. Ultimately, the farmer's fate serves as a reminder that compassion directed towards the undeserving can lead to harm.
Other names for this story
Cranes in the Wheat, The Farmer's Dilemma, When Words Fail, The Sling and the Cranes, Chasing Away the Cranes, A Farmer's Resolve, The Price of Patience, Wings and Warnings
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of the consequences of complacency, highlighting how threats that are not backed by action can eventually lose their effectiveness, prompting a more serious response when the stakes are raised. The cranes' decision to flee reflects the instinct for survival in the face of real danger, emphasizing the importance of taking threats seriously.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.