MoralFables.com

The Olive Tree and the Fig Tree

fable
2 min read
0 comments
The Olive Tree and the Fig Tree
0:000:00

Story Summary

In "The Olive Tree and the Fig Tree," a classic among famous moral stories, the Olive Tree ridicules the Fig Tree for shedding its leaves with the seasons. However, when heavy snow falls, the Olive's lush branches break under the weight, leading to its demise, while the bare Fig Tree remains unharmed. This popular moral story illustrates that what may seem like a disadvantage can sometimes be a blessing, making it a valuable lesson in short moral tales and bedtime moral stories.

Click to reveal the moral of the story

The moral of the story is that adaptability and resilience in the face of change can be more advantageous than seeming strength and permanence.

Historical Context

The fable of "The Olive-Tree and the Fig-Tree" draws on themes of pride and the consequences of mocking others, common in ancient storytelling traditions. This narrative, reminiscent of Aesop's Fables, highlights the virtue of adaptability over superficial beauty, reflecting cultural values of resilience and humility found in various retellings across Mediterranean and Near Eastern folklore. Such tales often served moral lessons, emphasizing the importance of inner strength and the dangers of hubris.

Our Editors Opinion

This fable highlights the value of adaptability over superficial consistency; in modern life, those who embrace change and resilience often weather challenges better than those who cling to a façade of permanence. For instance, a business that innovates and pivots its strategies in response to market shifts is more likely to thrive than one that stubbornly adheres to outdated practices, illustrating that flexibility can be a key to survival.

You May Also Like

The Dutiful Son

The Dutiful Son

In "The Dutiful Son," a millionaire unexpectedly visits his father at an almshouse, surprising a neighbor who doubted his commitment. The millionaire feels a moral obligation to visit, believing that if their roles were reversed, his father would do the same, and reveals he also needs his father's signature for a life insurance policy. This story serves as a quick moral story, highlighting themes of duty and familial responsibility, making it a valuable lesson for students.

family duty
pride
Millionaire
Father
The Writer and the Tramps

The Writer and the Tramps

In "The Writer and the Tramps," a story that embodies the spirit of heartwarming moral stories, an Ambitious Writer arrogantly dismisses a Tramp's question about his shirt, claiming it symbolizes the genius's unconcern. The Tramp, in a simple yet profound act, carves "John Gump, Champion Genius" into a tree, delivering a life-changing lesson about the contrast between true talent and superficial arrogance. This moral short story reminds us that true genius is often humble and unassuming.

pride
perception vs. reality
Ambitious Writer
Tramp
The Citizen and the Snakes

The Citizen and the Snakes

In "The Citizen and the Snakes," a disheartened citizen, frustrated by his failure to secure a national political convention for his city, inadvertently shatters a druggist's show-window filled with snakes. As the reptiles spill into the street, he learns a valuable lesson: even when faced with setbacks, taking action—however unexpected—can still lead to meaningful change. This unique moral story serves as a timeless reminder for students in class 7 that when we can't achieve our primary goals, we should still strive to make a difference in other ways.

resilience
adaptability
Public-spirited Citizen
snakes

Other names for this story

Seasons of Strength, The Resilient Fig, Olive vs. Fig: A Tale, Nature's Lesson, The Beauty of Change, Surviving Winter, Wise Trees, The Snow's Judgment

Did You Know?

The story illustrates the theme of resilience versus superficial beauty, demonstrating how the Fig-Tree's ability to adapt to changing seasons ultimately protects it from harm, while the Olive-Tree's constant display of greenery leads to its downfall. This fable serves as a reminder that true strength lies not in appearance but in the ability to endure and adapt to life's challenges.

Subscribe to Daily Stories

Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.

Explore More Stories

Story Details

Age Group
kids
children
story for class 2
story for class 3
story for class 4
Theme
pride
resilience
the consequences of superficial judgments
Characters
Olive Tree
Fig Tree
Snow
Setting
olive tree
fig tree
ground

Share this Story