The Woman and Her Hen
Story Summary
In this famous moral story, a woman who owned a hen that laid an egg daily became greedy, hoping to receive two eggs by feeding the hen extra barley. Instead, her actions backfired as the hen grew fat and stopped laying eggs altogether, leaving her with nothing. This uplifting moral story serves as a life lesson: greed can lead to unexpected consequences, reminding us to appreciate what we have.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Greed can lead to loss; seeking more can result in having nothing.
Historical Context
The story of the woman and her hen is a fable that reflects the moral lessons found in Aesop's Fables, which originated in ancient Greece. This tale illustrates themes of greed and the consequences of overreaching, common in folklore across cultures, where characters often learn that trying to gain more can lead to losing what one already possesses. Similar narratives can be found in various cultures, emphasizing the timeless nature of these moral lessons.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the dangers of greed and the tendency to sacrifice what we already have in pursuit of more. In modern life, a scenario could involve an employee who is consistently recognized for their hard work but, in a bid for a promotion, takes on excessive projects and responsibilities, ultimately leading to burnout and decreased performance instead of the desired advancement.
You May Also Like
A Prophet of Evil
In "A Prophet of Evil," an undertaker encounters a gravedigger who reveals that his union, the Gravediggers' National Extortion Society, is limiting the number of graves to increase profits. The undertaker warns that if people cannot secure graves, they may stop dying altogether, which could have dire consequences for civilization. This engaging moral tale highlights the absurdities of prioritizing profit over essential human needs, making it a thought-provoking addition to the realm of life-changing stories with moral lessons.
The Angel's Tear
In "The Angel's Tear," a classic moral story, an unworthy man who once mocked the misfortunes of the woman he loved regrets his actions while dressed in sackcloth and ashes. The Angel of Compassion, observing his plight, drops a tear that turns into a hailstone, striking him on the head and causing him to fumble with an umbrella, prompting the Angel to laugh at his misfortune. This captivating tale serves as a simple moral story about the consequences of laughing at others' suffering, making it a memorable addition to famous fables with moral lessons for kids.
The Widow and the Sheep
In this entertaining moral story, a poor widow attempts to shear her only Sheep herself to save money, but her clumsiness results in injuring the animal instead of simply taking its fleece. The Sheep wisely points out that while she aims to minimize expenses, her actions lead to greater suffering. This simple short story with moral teaches that the least outlay is not always the greatest gain, a lesson often found in popular moral stories and engaging moral tales.
Other names for this story
The Greedy Hen, The Egg Dilemma, Hen and the Barley, The Woman's Wish, The Eggless Hen, A Lesson in Greed, The Hen's Secret, The Price of Plenty
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of greed and the consequences of trying to rush natural processes; the woman's desire for more led to the loss of what she already had, highlighting the importance of appreciating and nurturing what we possess rather than seeking to exploit it.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.