The Tortoise and the Birds
Story Summary
In "The Tortoise and the Birds," a simple short story with moral undertones, a Tortoise enlists an Eagle to carry him to a new home, promising a reward. However, when a Crow suggests the Tortoise would make a good meal, the Eagle, swayed by the idea, drops him on a rock, leading to his demise. This engaging moral tale serves as a cautionary reminder against trusting enemies for assistance, a common theme in famous moral stories and animal stories with moral lessons.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Never trust those who may have ulterior motives, as they can lead you to your downfall.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, a storyteller from ancient Greece, reflects themes of betrayal and the dangers of trusting those who may have ulterior motives. Variants of the tale can be found in various cultures, often emphasizing the moral that one should be cautious in choosing allies and not rely on those who might wish to harm you. The story is part of a broader tradition of animal fables that convey ethical lessons through the behaviors and interactions of animals.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable underscores the importance of being cautious about whom we trust and rely on for help, as not everyone has our best interests at heart. In modern life, this can be seen in scenarios such as a person seeking business advice from a competitor; if they are not careful, they might expose themselves to betrayal or exploitation, echoing the tortoise's tragic reliance on the Eagle.
You May Also Like
A Harmless Visitor
At a meeting of the Golden League of Mystery, a woman was discovered taking notes and questioned about her presence. She initially claimed to be there for her own pleasure and instruction but revealed she was an officer of the Women's Press Association, leading to her acceptance and an apology from the organization. This entertaining moral story reflects the importance of honesty and the value of knowledge, making it a fitting tale for young readers seeking moral lessons.
The Mouse the Frog and the Hawk
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.
The Christian Serpent
In "The Christian Serpent," a rattlesnake returns to his young to impart a life-changing story with a moral, preparing them for his impending death after being bitten by a partisan journal's editor. This engaging moral tale highlights the snake's acceptance of his fate and the profound impact of external criticism on his life, making it one of the top 10 moral stories worth reflecting upon.
Other names for this story
Tortoise's Flight, The Eagle's Betrayal, Tortoise and the Sky, A Shell's Downfall, Wings of Deceit, The Fateful Journey, From Shell to Sky, The Perils of Trust
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the dangers of relying on those who may not have your best interests at heart, highlighting the theme of betrayal and the consequences of misplaced trust. It serves as a cautionary tale about the risks involved in depending on others for help, particularly when they may have ulterior motives.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.