Uncalculating Zeal
Story Summary
In the Kingdom of Damnasia, a man-eating tiger terrorizes the populace, prompting the King to offer his daughter Zodroulra as a reward for the beast's slayer. Camaraladdin, seeking fame, claims the reward without confronting the tiger, instead presenting the scalp of a wealthy man, leading to his execution by the King. This culturally significant moral story illustrates the dangers of misguided ambition, suggesting that sometimes, uncalculated zeal can cost more than one anticipates, as the millionaire could have been a solution to the tiger problem.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that reckless ambition and greed can lead to unintended consequences, and sometimes it's better to leave certain matters alone rather than pursuing them with uncalculated zeal.
Historical Context
This story draws on themes common in folklore and fairy tales, particularly within Middle Eastern and South Asian traditions, where cleverness and irony often lead to unexpected outcomes. Its narrative echoes the moral lessons found in tales like those of "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" and elements of "The Arabian Nights," emphasizing the folly of greed and the dangers of underestimating the consequences of one's actions. The tale also reflects broader cultural values regarding honor, bravery, and the complexities of human motives, revealing how wealth and ambition can be as perilous as the beasts that threaten civilization.
Our Editors Opinion
This story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the consequences of misguided ambition in modern life, where people often chase wealth and status without considering the broader implications of their actions. For instance, in a corporate setting, an employee might sabotage a colleague to climb the corporate ladder, only to find that their actions create a toxic work environment that ultimately harms their own career.
You May Also Like
The Herdsman and the Lost Bull
In this very short moral story, a herdsman vows to sacrifice a lamb to the forest deities if he discovers the thief of his lost Bull-calf. When he finds a Lion devouring the Calf, panic sets in, leading him to wish for a full-grown Bull instead, illustrating the theme of moral-based storytelling about the consequences of one's vows and the instinct for self-preservation. This inspirational short story serves as a quick read with a valuable lesson about facing fears and the weight of promises.
The Dogs and the Hides
In "The Dogs and the Hides," a group of hungry dogs, frustrated by their inability to reach cowhides in a river, foolishly attempt to drink the river dry. Their overindulgence leads to their demise before they can even get to the hides, illustrating a simple lesson from stories about the dangers of attempting the impossible. This unique moral story serves as an inspirational short tale for children, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's limits.
The Highwayman and the Traveller
In this humorous story with a moral twist, a Highwayman confronts a Traveller, demanding "your money or your life." The clever Traveller argues that since his life cannot save his money, he offers it instead, impressing the Highwayman with his wit and philosophy. This unexpected encounter leads to a life-changing partnership as they start a newspaper, showcasing the power of quick read stories with moral lessons.
Other names for this story
"Zeal Without Measure, The Price of Ambition, A King's Dilemma, The Tiger's True Rival, Fortune's Fatal Flaw, Sacrificing for Gold, The Cost of Greed, Kingdom's Reckoning"
Did You Know?
This story illustrates the themes of greed and the consequences of misplaced priorities, as the king's desire for wealth leads him to overlook the real danger posed by the tiger, ultimately resulting in the downfall of an opportunistic character who misjudges the situation.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.