The Grasshopper and the Owl
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.
You May Also Like
The Expatriated Boss
In "The Expatriated Boss," a boss in Canada is confronted by a Montreal citizen who accuses him of fleeing to escape prosecution. The boss defends his choice of Canada, citing its corrupt political environment, leading to an emotional reconciliation that highlights the themes of understanding and forgiveness. Through this simple moral story, readers are reminded of the importance of perspective and compassion, making it an educational moral story suitable for kids.
The Wolf and the Sheep
In this unique moral story, a wounded Wolf deceitfully asks a passing Sheep to fetch him water, promising meat in return. The Sheep, recognizing the Wolf's true intentions, wisely refuses, illustrating the importance of discernment in the face of temptation. This culturally significant tale serves as an inspirational story with a moral, reminding us that hypocritical speeches are easily seen through.
The Taken Hand
In the humorous short story "The Taken Hand," a successful businessman seeks to shake hands with a thief, who arrogantly refuses. Following a philosopher's advice, the businessman cleverly leaves his hand in a neighbor's pocket, leading the greedy thief to take it, illustrating a clever moral about strategy and deception. This tale is a delightful addition to the collection of popular moral stories and folklore, showcasing the wit often found in short moral stories with pictures.
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.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.
Explore More Stories
Story Details
- Age Group
- adultkidschildrenstory for class 2story for class 3story for class 4story for class 5story for class 6story for class 7story for class 8
- Theme
- Deceptionconsequences of pridethe struggle between different ways of life
- Characters
- OwlGrasshopperPallas (Athena)Apollo
- Setting
- foresthollow