Hercules and the Wagoner
Story Summary
In this humorous bedtime moral story, a carter finds his wagon stuck in a rut and, instead of taking action, calls out to Hercules for help. Hercules responds by urging him to put his shoulders to the wheels and encourage his oxen, conveying the life-lesson that self-help is the best help. This simple lesson from the story serves as a valuable moral for class 7 students, reminding them to take initiative before seeking assistance from others.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that one must take initiative and make an effort to solve their problems before seeking external help.
Historical Context
This story is derived from Aesop's Fables, a collection of moral tales attributed to the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop, who is believed to have lived around the 6th century BCE. The fable emphasizes themes of self-reliance and personal responsibility, reflecting cultural values from ancient Greece that celebrated individual agency and the idea that divine assistance comes only after one has made an effort to solve their own problems. This particular moral has been retold in various forms throughout history, reinforcing its significance across different cultures and eras.
Our Editors Opinion
This story underscores the importance of personal responsibility and proactive problem-solving in modern life. For example, a student struggling with their studies might lament their difficulties, seeking external assistance without first putting in the effort to understand the material; true progress comes from taking initiative and dedicating time to study before asking for help.
You May Also Like
The Man and the Lightning
In "The Man and the Lightning," a simple short story with moral undertones, a politician on the campaign trail is overtaken by Lightning, which boasts of its impressive speed. The Man Running for Office counters that while Lightning may be swift, his endurance allows him to continue on his journey, illustrating a profound lesson about perseverance over mere speed. This short tale serves as a reminder that simple lessons from stories often highlight the value of resilience in the face of challenges.
The Flea and the Wrestler
In "The Flea and the Wrestler," a popular moral story, a Wrestler, bitten by a Flea, calls upon Hercules for help. Frustrated by his inability to defeat such a minor foe, he questions how he can expect assistance against larger challenges, highlighting the lessons learned from stories about facing one's fears, no matter how small. This engaging moral tale serves as a reminder that overcoming even the smallest obstacles is essential for tackling greater adversities.
The Hare and the Hound
In the well-known moral story "The Hare and the Hound," a hound chases a hare but eventually gives up, prompting a goat-herd to mock him for losing the race. The hound explains that while he was only running for a dinner, the hare was running for his life, illustrating the difference in their motivations. This quick moral story serves as a classic example of fable stories with moral lessons, perfect for childhood stories with moral teachings.
Other names for this story
Hercules and the Stuck Wagon, The Wagoner's Lesson, Hercules: A Call to Action, The Carter's Dilemma, Help Yourself First, Hercules and the Rut, The Power of Self-Reliance, Wagon Woes and Wisdom
Did You Know?
This story illustrates the timeless theme of self-reliance, emphasizing that individuals must take initiative and put in effort to overcome their challenges rather than solely relying on external assistance or divine intervention. The moral underscores the importance of personal responsibility and action in achieving one's goals.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.