The Mouse the Frog and the Hawk
Story Summary
In this short story with moral, a Mouse befriends a mischievous Frog who binds their feet together and drags the Mouse into the water, leading to its drowning. The Frog, reveling in the water, meets a grim fate when a Hawk captures both the dead Mouse and itself. This humorous story illustrates that those who cause harm to others may ultimately suffer consequences themselves, making it a fitting tale for students seeking moral lessons.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that those who plot harm against others may ultimately bring about their own downfall.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, exemplifies the moral lessons prevalent in ancient Greek storytelling, where animals personify human traits and social dynamics. The tale highlights themes of betrayal and the consequences of malicious actions, a common motif in Aesop's works, which often serve as allegories for ethical behavior and caution against deceit. The phrase "harm hatch, harm catch," encapsulates the idea that those who intend to harm others may ultimately suffer themselves, a lesson echoed in various cultural retellings throughout history.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the dangers of trusting those who may have ulterior motives, especially when their interests diverge significantly from our own. In modern life, this can be reflected in scenarios such as a coworker who seems friendly but manipulates you into taking on risky projects for their benefit, ultimately leading to your downfall—and theirs as well—when the project fails.
You May Also Like
The Man with No Enemies
In "The Man with No Enemies," an inoffensive person is brutally assaulted by a stranger, leading to a trial where he claims to have no enemies. The defendant argues that this lack of enemies was the very reason for the attack, prompting the judge to dismiss the case with a humorous yet moral lesson: a person without enemies cannot truly have friends, and thus should not seek justice in court. This short story serves as a thought-provoking moral lesson for students about the complexities of relationships and the nature of conflict.
The Lion and the Three Bulls
In this famous moral story, three bulls who have always pastured together fall prey to a cunning lion that fears attacking them as a group. By deceitfully separating them, the lion is able to feast on each bull individually, demonstrating the unique moral that unity provides strength and protection. This life-changing story serves as a reminder of the power of togetherness in overcoming adversity.
The Two Fellows and the Bear
In this entertaining moral story, two travelers face a bear in the woods, leading one to hide in a tree while the other lies flat on the ground. After the bear leaves, the tree-dweller mocks his friend, only to learn a valuable lesson: never trust a friend who deserts you in a pinch. This short bedtime story highlights the importance of loyalty and the lessons learned from stories that resonate with readers.
Other names for this story
"Frog's Deceit, Mouse's Fate, Hawk's Feast", "The Tied Trio: Mouse, Frog, Hawk", "Water's Grip: A Mouse and Frog Tale", "From Land to Sky: A Cautionary Fable", "Frog's Trickery, Hawk's Dinner", "Entangled: A Mouse, Frog, and Hawk Story", "The Fateful Bond: Mouse and Frog", "Nature's Justice: Mouse, Frog, Hawk"
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of treachery and its consequences, highlighting how the malicious actions of one can lead to mutual destruction, as both the Frog and the Mouse suffer due to the Frog's deceitful trickery.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.