The Tail of the Sphinx
Story Summary
In "The Tail of the Sphinx," a dog frustrated by his tail's tendency to reveal his emotions wishes for the impassiveness of the Sphinx, a figure from famous fables with moral lessons. The tail humorously points out that the Sphinx's stoicism is due to its heavy, stone tail, ultimately teaching the dog to accept the limitations of his nature. This culturally significant moral story highlights the importance of recognizing one's own identity rather than aspiring to be something one is not.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story conveys that one should embrace their true nature and limitations rather than aspire to qualities that are unattainable or not suited to them.
Historical Context
This story draws on the tradition of fables, likely influenced by Aesop's Tales, where animals speak and embody human traits to impart moral lessons. The dialogue between the Dog and his Tail serves as a humorous exploration of self-awareness and the limits of one's nature, reflecting the cultural motif that emphasizes acceptance of one's inherent characteristics while also critiquing the desire for unrealistic ideals, such as the Sphinx's stoicism. The use of the Sphinx connects the narrative to ancient Egyptian mythology, which often symbolizes enigma and wisdom, further enriching the story's commentary on identity and emotional expression.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the importance of self-acceptance and understanding the limitations of one's nature in modern life, where societal pressure often pushes individuals to suppress their emotions. A real-life scenario reflecting this moral could be a professional who tries to mask their feelings in a high-stress job, believing that showing emotion is a weakness, only to find that embracing their authentic self leads to better relationships and improved mental health.
You May Also Like
The Stag who Admired his Reflection
In this fable, a vain stag admires his beautiful antlers while lamenting his slender legs, believing the former to be more valuable. When a bloodhound pursues him, he discovers that his prized antlers hinder his escape, illustrating the simple moral that valuing beauty over utility can lead to one's downfall. This entertaining moral story serves as a reminder that what we often regard as beautiful may ultimately bring us strife, while the useful, though overlooked, is essential for survival.
The Sportsman and the Squirrel
In this wisdom-packed moral story, a Sportsman, after wounding a Squirrel, chases it with a stick, claiming he wishes to end its suffering. The Squirrel, defiantly revealing the hypocrisy of the Sportsman's actions, asserts its desire to survive despite its pain. Overcome with shame, the Sportsman ultimately refrains from harming the Squirrel and walks away, highlighting the value-based moral that true compassion must align with understanding and respect for life.
The Shepherd and the Dog
In the short bedtime story "The Shepherd and the Dog," a shepherd nearly makes the mistake of penning a wolf with his sheep for the night. The wise Dog warns him that this decision endangers the safety of the flock, illustrating a simple lesson from stories about the importance of discernment. This moral story for kids emphasizes that not all companions are safe, a vital lesson in choosing who to trust.
Other names for this story
Sphinx Secrets, The Dog's Dilemma, Tails of Emotion, The Silent Sphinx, Hidden Feelings, The Sphinx's Wisdom, Tail Tales, The Impassive Canine
Did You Know?
This whimsical dialogue highlights the theme of self-acceptance, as the Dog learns that trying to suppress his natural emotions is futile, and it humorously contrasts the Dog's desire for impassiveness with the inherent qualities that define both him and the Sphinx.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.