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.
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.
You May Also Like
The Ass and the Charger
In "The Ass and the Charger," a seemingly privileged Horse is envied by an Ass, who believes the Horse's life is easy and carefree. However, when the Horse is killed in battle while serving a soldier, the Ass learns a valuable lesson about the burdens hidden beneath a luxurious facade, illustrating the timeless moral stories that reveal the complexities of life. This engaging moral tale serves as a reminder that even those who appear to be well-cared-for face significant sacrifices, making it an ideal bedtime moral story for reflection.
The Life-Saver
In "The Life-Saver," a dramatic short tale with moral undertones, an Ancient Maiden rehearses the line, "Noble preserver! The life that you have saved is yours!" before tragically drowning. Meanwhile, the Modern Swain reflects on the irony of her sacrifice, realizing he feels a sense of ownership over the life he did not save. This quick moral story highlights the complexities of heroism and the weight of unfulfilled intentions.
The Goose and the Swan
In this moral story, a wealthy man keeps a Goose for food and a Swan for her beautiful singing. When the Cook mistakenly tries to kill the Swan instead of the Goose, she sings to save herself, but tragically dies from the strain of her efforts. This short story serves as a poignant lesson about the futility of sacrifice when faced with greed, making it a valuable tale for both kids and adults.
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.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.