The Wolf and the Ostrich
Story Summary
In the creative moral story "The Wolf and the Ostrich," a wolf chokes on a bunch of keys after eating a man and asks an ostrich for help to retrieve them. The ostrich obliges but humorously claims that a kind act is its own reward, asserting that she has eaten the keys instead. This whimsical tale serves as a life-lesson moral story, illustrating that selflessness does not always seek a reward.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that selfless acts of kindness should not be expected to be rewarded.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes found in Aesop's Fables, where anthropomorphized animals illustrate moral lessons through their interactions. The tale emphasizes the virtue of selflessness and the consequences of greed, common motifs in folklore across cultures. Variations of similar stories can be found in numerous traditions, highlighting the universal nature of these moral lessons.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the dangers of helping those who are untrustworthy, as kindness can be exploited by those with ulterior motives. In modern life, consider a scenario where a colleague consistently takes credit for others' work; when you assist them out of goodwill, they may not only fail to acknowledge your contribution but also manipulate the situation to their advantage, reminding us to be cautious about to whom we extend our help.
You May Also Like
The Wolf, the Nanny-Goat, and The Kid
In the inspirational short story "The Wolf, the Nanny-Goat, and The Kid," a clever Kid learns the importance of caution and having multiple safeguards against deception when he refuses to let in the Wolf, despite the creature knowing the password. This timeless moral story emphasizes that two guarantees are better than one, illustrating a valuable lesson for kids in discerning trustworthiness. Such short stories for students with moral lessons make for great additions to any collection of moral tales.
The Lamb and the Wolf
In the simple short story "The Lamb and the Wolf," a Wolf chases a Lamb that finds refuge in a Temple. When the Wolf warns the Lamb that he would be sacrificed by the Priest, the Lamb wisely replies that being sacrificed is preferable to being eaten by the Wolf. This quick moral story highlights the theme of choosing a less harmful fate over a more dangerous one, making it a meaningful story with moral lessons suitable for class 7.
The Wolf and the Fox
In "The Wolf and the Fox," a large and strong Wolf, believing himself honored by his fellow wolves when they call him "Lion," foolishly abandons his kind to live among lions. An observant old Fox comments on the Wolf's pride, pointing out that despite his size, he will always be merely a wolf in a herd of lions. This entertaining moral story serves as a life-changing reminder of the dangers of self-conceit and the importance of recognizing one's true nature in the realm of popular moral stories for adults.
Other names for this story
"Keys of Kindness", "Ostrich's Brave Act", "Wolf's Greedy Gamble", "The Generous Ostrich", "Choked by Greed", "A Lesson in Kindness", "The Wolf's Dilemma", "Beneath the Surface"
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the themes of selfishness and gratitude, revealing how acts of kindness can sometimes go unrewarded, especially when the recipient has ulterior motives. The Ostrich's response emphasizes the idea that true generosity should not be contingent on receiving something in return.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.