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 Judge and the Plaintiff
In this captivating moral story, a businessman awaits a court ruling against a railway company and, in a moment of levity, offers to split the potential damages with the judge. However, the judge, realizing his mistake, reveals that he has already ruled in the plaintiff's favor, prompting the businessman to retract his offer and express gratitude instead. This simple moral story highlights the importance of integrity and honesty in the face of temptation.
The Oracle and the Impious
In "The Oracle and the Impious," a suspected heretic devises a deceptive plan to trick Apollo into revealing the fate of a sparrow, hoping to outsmart the divine. However, the story underscores a famous moral lesson: no one can manipulate divine knowledge, as Apollo sees through his scheme and warns against such folly. This short story with moral highlights the futility of attempting to deceive the gods, emphasizing that all actions are under their watchful gaze.
The Ass and the Grasshopper
In the well-known moral story "The Ass and the Grasshopper," an ass becomes enchanted by the beautiful singing of grasshoppers and, in his desire to emulate them, decides to live solely on dew, believing it to be the secret to their melody. This foolish choice leads to his tragic death from starvation, illustrating that attempting to imitate others without understanding their needs can have dire consequences. This simple moral story serves as a cautionary tale for students about the dangers of envy and blind imitation.
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