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The Grasshopper and the Owl

fable
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The Grasshopper and the Owl
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Story Summary

In "The Grasshopper and the Owl," a moral story for kids, an owl, disturbed by a grasshopper's incessant chirping, pleads with her to stop, but the grasshopper ignores her. Lured by the owl's flattery and a promise of nectar, the unsuspecting grasshopper eagerly approaches, only to be deceived and killed. This easy small story with moral teaches valuable lessons about the dangers of vanity and the consequences of ignoring wise counsel.

Click to reveal the moral of the story

Beware of flattery, as it can lead to your downfall.

Historical Context

This fable, likely derived from Aesop's collection of moral tales, reflects the ancient Greek tradition of using anthropomorphized animals to convey lessons about human behavior and consequences. In various retellings, including those by Phaedrus and later La Fontaine, the story highlights themes of hubris and the dangers of ignoring wise counsel, illustrating how pride can lead to one's downfall. The use of the Owl and Grasshopper symbolizes the conflict between wisdom and folly, a common motif in folklore across cultures.

Our Editors Opinion

This fable illustrates the dangers of overconfidence and the perils of ignoring warnings from those with more experience. In modern life, this can be seen in scenarios such as a young professional who dismisses the advice of a seasoned mentor about workplace decorum, only to find themselves ostracized for inappropriate behavior.

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Other names for this story

The Noisy Grasshopper, The Owl's Revenge, Nighttime Chatter, The Grasshopper's Folly, The Silent Night, Nature's Duel, The Owl and the Chirper, Sweet Lure of Death

Did You Know?

This fable illustrates the theme of cunning versus brute force, showcasing how the Owl's cleverness ultimately triumphs over the Grasshopper's arrogance and disregard for others, emphasizing the dangers of vanity and the consequences of ignoring warnings.

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Story Details

Age Group
adult
kids
children
story for class 2
story for class 3
story for class 4
story for class 5
story for class 6
story for class 7
story for class 8
Theme
Deception
consequences of pride
the struggle between different ways of life
Characters
Owl
Grasshopper
Pallas (Athena)
Apollo
Setting
forest
hollow

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