Two Kings

Story Summary
In the short moral story "Two Kings," the King of Madagao, embroiled in a dispute with the King of Bornegascar, demands the recall of his rival's Minister. Faced with an enraged refusal and the threat to withdraw the Minister instead, the terrified King of Madagao hastily complies, only to comically trip and fall, humorously violating the Third Commandment. This tale, rooted in folklore, serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and hasty decisions in well-known moral stories.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that pride and stubbornness can lead to foolish decisions and unintended consequences.
Historical Context
The story reflects the rich tradition of fables and parables found in various cultures, particularly within African and Indian folklore, where kings and rulers often engage in humorous or absurd disputes that reveal deeper truths about human nature and governance. Its themes resonate with the moral lessons conveyed in Aesop's Fables and the Panchatantra, underscoring the folly of pride and the consequences of hasty actions. The mention of the "Third Commandment" adds a layer of moral and religious context, suggesting a blending of cultural narratives that critique authority and highlight the absurdities of political conflict.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the folly of making unreasonable demands and the potential consequences of pride and escalation in conflict. In modern life, this could reflect a workplace scenario where a manager insists on unrealistic project changes from a team member, leading to a breakdown in communication and productivity, ultimately causing the manager to lose valuable talent and trust.
You May Also Like

The Wolves and the Dogs
In "The Wolves and the Dogs," a fable that imparts valuable lessons learned from stories, the Wolves claim their conflicts with the Sheep are caused by troublesome dogs and assert that removing them would bring peace. However, the Sheep challenge this notion, highlighting that dismissing the dogs is not as simple as the Wolves believe. This short tale with moral encourages reflection on the complexities of conflict resolution.

The Ass and His Driver
In "The Ass and His Driver," a stubborn donkey bolts toward a precipice, prompting its owner to intervene. Despite his efforts, the donkey's obstinacy leads the owner to let go, warning that the donkey will face the consequences of its choices. This concise moral story highlights how willful individuals often pursue their own paths, regardless of the risks, making it a thought-provoking quick read with a clear moral lesson.

The Boy Hunting Locusts
In this short moral story, a boy hunting for locusts mistakenly reaches for a scorpion, thinking it is one of his catches. The scorpion warns him that had he touched it, he would have lost both the scorpion and all his locusts, highlighting the lessons learned from stories about the importance of caution and awareness. This quick read story with moral significance serves as a reminder to be mindful of our actions and their potential consequences.
Other names for this story
Royal Rivalry, Kings at Odds, The Disputed Throne, Clash of Monarchs, Crown Conflict, The Minister's Dilemma, Regal Standoff, Kingdoms in Turmoil
Did You Know?
This story humorously illustrates the absurdity of diplomatic disputes, where demands and threats can escalate to ridiculous levels, leading to unintended consequences that highlight the folly of pride and misunderstanding in communication.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.