The Christian Serpent
Story Summary
In "The Christian Serpent," a rattlesnake returns to his young to impart a life-changing story with a moral, preparing them for his impending death after being bitten by a partisan journal's editor. This engaging moral tale highlights the snake's acceptance of his fate and the profound impact of external criticism on his life, making it one of the top 10 moral stories worth reflecting upon.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates how betrayal and malice from those in positions of influence can lead to devastating consequences.
Historical Context
This story draws on themes of betrayal and the consequences of political discourse, echoing the historical context of partisan journalism that emerged prominently in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in the United States. The metaphor of the rattlesnake, often associated with both danger and wisdom, reflects the cultural symbolism found in various indigenous and colonial narratives, while the mention of a "Christian" dying indicates a critique of moral hypocrisy within political and social realms, reminiscent of other fables and satirical works like those of Aesop or Jonathan Swift.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the dangers of divisive rhetoric and the destructive impact of partisan conflict on personal relationships and communities. In modern life, we see this moral reflected in the polarization of social media, where individuals and families often find themselves at odds over differing political opinions, leading to hostility rather than constructive dialogue. For instance, a family dinner may turn sour when a seemingly harmless discussion about current events escalates into a heated argument, illustrating how venomous words can leave lasting wounds.
You May Also Like
The Fugitive Office
In "The Fugitive Office," a traveler witnesses a chaotic scene outside the capitol, where men are fighting and shouting, reminiscent of impactful moral stories that explore human struggle. Amid the turmoil, a weary Office escapes to a nearby tomb, lamenting its separation from the source of power as it seeks the man it serves, embodying the heartwarming moral of resilience and the quest for purpose in turmoil.
Revenge
An insurance agent attempts to persuade a tough man to take out a fire policy on his house, passionately detailing the dangers of fire. When questioned about his motives, the agent reveals a dark secret: he seeks revenge against the insurance company for betraying his sweetheart, turning the encounter into a tale reminiscent of folklore with a moral about the consequences of deceit and the lessons learned from personal vendettas.
The Trees and the Axe
In "The Trees and the Axe," a man humorously asks the Trees for a young ash-tree to create a handle for his axe, which they willingly sacrifice. However, as he swiftly cuts down the forest's strongest giants, an old oak laments that their consent has led to their own demise, illustrating a powerful moral about the consequences of sacrificing one for the many. This short moral story serves as a poignant reminder for personal growth, emphasizing the importance of protecting one's rights to ensure collective survival.
Other names for this story
"Last Blessing of the Serpent", "The Rattlesnake's Farewell", "Bite of the Editor", "Christianity and the Serpent", "Final Rattle", "Serpent's Last Words", "Partisan Bite", "Faith and Fangs"
Did You Know?
This story uses the metaphor of a rattlesnake, often associated with danger and venom, to critique the toxic nature of partisan journalism, suggesting that the divisive rhetoric in media can be more harmful than physical threats. The theme underscores the idea that the media's influence can be deadly to societal discourse and understanding.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.