The Wasp and the Snake
Story Summary
In "The Wasp and the Snake," a Wasp persistently stings a Snake, leading to the latter's demise. In a poignant act of desperation, the Snake chooses to place its head under a wagon's wheels, declaring that he and his tormentor shall perish together. This moral short story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of relentless torment and the lengths one might go to escape it, making it a thought-provoking read for both students and adults alike.
A WASP seated himself upon the head of a Snake and, striking him unceasingly with his stings, wounded him to death. The Snake, tormented and desperate to rid himself of his relentless enemy, looked around and noticed a wagon heavily laden with wood. With a surge of determination, he slithered over and purposefully placed his head beneath the wheels of the heavy cart.
In that moment, the Snake thought to himself, "At least my enemy and I shall perish together." It was a final act of defiance, a way to ensure that both the tormentor and the tormented would meet their end in the same tragic fate.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that sometimes, in the face of relentless torment, one may choose to take drastic measures that lead to mutual destruction rather than endure suffering alone.
Historical Context
This fable, often attributed to Aesop, reflects themes of revenge and the consequences of unchecked aggression, common in ancient storytelling. The narrative illustrates the idea that vengeance can lead to mutual destruction, a moral that resonates across various cultures and has been retold in different forms throughout history, emphasizing the dangers of allowing enmity to escalate. The story draws from a rich tradition of anthropomorphized animals symbolizing human traits and moral lessons, prevalent in fables from Greece to Asia.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the destructive nature of revenge and the lengths to which one might go to escape torment, even at their own expense. In modern life, we often encounter situations where individuals, feeling oppressed by a toxic relationship or workplace, may choose to sabotage themselves rather than allow their oppressor to continue thriving; for instance, an employee who, in a fit of frustration, intentionally underperforms or sabotages a project to spite a demanding boss, ultimately harming their own career in the process.
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Other names for this story
"Venomous Vengeance, The Stinging Duel, Clash of Nature, Wasp vs. Snake, Fatal Encounter, The Price of Revenge, Deadly Rivalry, The Final Sting"
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of vengeance and the destructive nature of conflict, highlighting how unresolved enmity can lead both parties to mutual destruction, even if one party is the aggressor. The Snake's choice to sacrifice itself underscores the idea that sometimes the desire for retribution can lead to tragic outcomes.
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