The Hen and the Vipers
Story Summary
In the entertaining moral story "The Hen and the Vipers," a hen hatches a brood of vipers, prompting a swallow to criticize her for nurturing creatures that could harm her. The hen calmly defends her choice, stating that she plans to enjoy one of the vipers as a delicacy, illustrating a simple lesson about making the most of one's circumstances. This quick read story delivers a well-known moral about pragmatism and the complexities of nurturing.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that one may sometimes embrace dangerous choices for short-term gain, but such decisions can lead to self-destruction.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, reflects themes of deception and the consequences of misplaced trust, common in ancient Greek storytelling. Originating in a rich tradition of moral tales, Aesop's fables often use animals to convey human follies, and this particular story underscores the ironic relationship between nurturing and danger, illustrating how one's actions can lead to self-destruction. The tale has been retold and adapted across cultures, emphasizing the universal relevance of its moral lessons.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the complexities of nurturing toxic relationships, where the very beings we support may ultimately betray us. In modern life, a scenario could involve a parent who sacrifices everything for a child involved in destructive behavior; the parent must weigh the love and care they provide against the potential for harm to themselves, recognizing that sometimes, self-preservation is necessary amidst misguided loyalty.
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Other names for this story
The Hen's Dilemma, Viper's Gift, A Hen's Folly, Danger in the Nest, The Swallow's Warning, Hatching Trouble, The Hen and the Serpents, A Feast of Vipers
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of self-interest and the paradox of nurturing harmful offspring, illustrating how even those who seem vulnerable can leverage their circumstances for personal gain, as seen in the Hen's pragmatic approach to survival.
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