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
Truth and the Traveller
In "Truth and the Traveller," a man wandering through a desolate desert encounters a woman named Truth, who explains she resides there to be close to her worshippers, often cast out from society. This poignant fable story with moral highlights the solitude faced by those seeking genuine truth, making it a concise moral story that resonates even in humorous tales for kids. Ultimately, it reminds us that true understanding often comes from embracing hardship and isolation.
The Fisher and the Little Fish
In this classic moral story, a Fisher catches a small fish that begs for its release, promising to grow larger for a future meal. However, the Fisher values the certainty of the small catch over the uncertain potential of a bigger one later, illustrating the lesson that it is better to appreciate what you have than to risk it for something uncertain. This easy small story with moral emphasizes the wisdom found in concise moral stories and the valuable lessons they impart.
The Crab and the Fox
In "The Crab and the Fox," a Crab forsakes the safety of the sea for a meadow, where it is ultimately devoured by a hungry Fox. Recognizing its error, the Crab reflects that it deserves this fate for straying from its natural habitat, imparting a valuable lesson about contentment and the importance of knowing one's place. This short moral story, suitable for personal growth, illustrates that true happiness lies in accepting our circumstances.
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.