The Geese and the Cranes
Story Summary
In the well-known moral story "The Geese and the Cranes," a birdcatcher attempts to ensnare both birds in a meadow. The agile cranes swiftly escape, showcasing their lightness, while the slower, heavier geese are caught in the nets. This short and sweet moral story illustrates the importance of agility and quick thinking in the face of danger.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that those who are agile and quick-witted can often escape difficulties that may ensnare those who are slower or less adaptable.
Historical Context
The fable of "The Geese and the Cranes" is attributed to Aesop, an ancient Greek storyteller whose moral tales often highlight the virtues of cleverness and caution over brute strength. This story serves as a reflection of the cultural values surrounding adaptability and the consequences of one's physical attributes in the face of danger, a recurring theme in Aesop's works that has been retold throughout history in various forms and adaptations. The moral emphasizes the importance of agility and intelligence, contrasting the fate of the slower Geese with the swift Cranes.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the importance of adaptability and swift decision-making in the face of challenges, which is highly relevant in today's fast-paced world. For instance, in a rapidly changing job market, professionals who are quick to update their skills and pivot their career paths are more likely to thrive, while those who resist change may find themselves left behind.
You May Also Like
The Lark and Her Young Ones
In this entertaining moral story, a Lark and her chicks learn the importance of self-reliance when the owner of their wheat field decides to harvest himself instead of relying on neighbors. Initially unconcerned, the mother Lark realizes the seriousness of the situation and prepares to move her young ones to safety, illustrating the life-lesson that self-help is the best help. This fable exemplifies the valuable lessons learned from stories that emphasize the importance of taking initiative in challenging times.
The Two Frogs
In this moral story, two frogs discuss the need for one to relocate from a dangerous gully to a safe pond for better resources and safety. Despite the warnings, the stubborn gully frog refuses to leave his familiar home, ultimately leading to his demise when a wagon crushes him. This short tale serves as an educational reminder that stubbornness can result in one's own downfall, making it a valuable life-lesson moral story.
The Wolf, the Nanny-Goat, and The Kid
In the inspirational short story "The Wolf, the Nanny-Goat, and The Kid," a clever Kid learns the importance of caution and having multiple safeguards against deception when he refuses to let in the Wolf, despite the creature knowing the password. This timeless moral story emphasizes that two guarantees are better than one, illustrating a valuable lesson for kids in discerning trustworthiness. Such short stories for students with moral lessons make for great additions to any collection of moral tales.
Other names for this story
Cranes Escape, Geese in Trouble, Flight of the Cranes, The Birdcatcher's Trap, Meadow of Misfortune, Geese vs. Cranes, Quick Wings, Slow Wings
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of adaptability and the importance of quick thinking in the face of danger, as the nimble Cranes escape while the slower Geese face dire consequences due to their inability to react swiftly. It highlights how one's physical attributes can influence survival in threatening situations.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.