The Hen and the Swallow
Story Summary
In "The Hen and the Swallow," a hen nurtures viper eggs, oblivious to the danger they pose, which serves as a timeless moral story highlighting the folly of nurturing harmful beings. The swallow warns her of the impending threat, illustrating a simple lesson from stories about the consequences of ignorance. This fable joins the ranks of popular moral stories, emphasizing the importance of discernment in our choices.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Be cautious in your kindness, as helping the wrong individuals can lead to harm.
Historical Context
This fable, often attributed to Aesop, reflects themes prevalent in ancient Greek literature, emphasizing the consequences of misguided kindness and the dangers of nurturing harmful entities. The story illustrates a timeless moral lesson about the potential repercussions of one's actions, particularly in the context of loyalty and trust, and has been retold in various forms throughout history, including in the works of later European fabulists like Jean de La Fontaine. Its enduring relevance highlights the universal human experience of unintended consequences stemming from benevolence.
Our Editors Opinion
The story of the hen and the viper serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of nurturing harmful influences or relationships, often at the expense of one's own well-being. In modern life, a relevant scenario could be a person who invests time and care into a toxic friendship, only to find that the friend's negative behaviors ultimately harm them, illustrating the importance of recognizing and distancing oneself from detrimental associations for personal safety and growth.
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Other names for this story
"Viper's Eggs, Hen's Care, Swallow's Warning, From Hen to Viper, The Cautionary Hen, Nurturing Danger, Swallow's Advice, The Hen's Dilemma"
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of unintended consequences, highlighting how nurturing something harmful can lead to one's own downfall, a cautionary reminder about the risks of misguided compassion.
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