The Man and the Wood
Story Summary
In "The Man and the Wood," a man enters a forest seeking a branch from the trees, who kindly oblige, unaware of his true intentions. He uses the branch to enhance his axe, ultimately cutting down the very trees that helped him, leaving them to regret their generosity. This captivating moral story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of misplaced trust, making it an entertaining read for students and adults alike.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Be cautious of whom you assist, as kindness can be exploited by those with harmful intentions.
Historical Context
This fable, often attributed to Aesop, reflects themes of naivety and betrayal found in ancient Greek storytelling, where animals and nature serve as characters to illustrate moral lessons. It mirrors the cautionary tales prevalent in many cultures about the dangers of misplaced trust and the consequences of aiding those who may turn against you. Variations of this story can be found in various folklore traditions, emphasizing its universal moral implications.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of naively granting power or resources to those who may exploit them for harm. In modern life, this can be seen in scenarios such as communities allowing corporations to extract natural resources under the guise of development, only to find their environment severely damaged as a result.
You May Also Like
The Snake and the Swallow
In "The Snake and the Swallow," an inspirational story with moral lessons, a swallow raises her young in a court of justice, only to face the threat of a snake eager to eat them. The Just Judge intervenes, ordering the snake to take the chicks to his own home, but ultimately consumes them himself. This childhood story with moral highlights the dangers of misplaced trust and the lessons learned from stories about justice and betrayal.
The Kite, the Pigeons, and the Hawk
In the fable "The Kite, the Pigeons, and the Hawk," a group of Pigeons turns to a Hawk for help against a Kite's relentless attacks. After the Hawk defeats the Kite, he becomes overindulgent and vulnerable, leading the grateful Pigeons to blind him in a twist of fate. This life-changing story serves as a moral lesson about the dangers of excess and ingratitude in folklore and moral stories.
The Wolves and the Sheepdogs
In "The Wolves and the Sheepdogs," a famous fable with moral lessons for kids, the Wolves entice the Sheepdogs with promises of freedom and shared feasting on sheep, leading them to betray their human masters. However, this quick read story with moral consequences takes a dark turn when the Sheepdogs, lured by temptation, are ambushed and killed by the Wolves. The tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of betrayal and the harsh realities that can arise from succumbing to temptation.
Other names for this story
The Axeman's Folly, Trees' Regret, Betrayed by Kindness, The Wood's Tragic Gift, Nature's Warning, The Axe and the Trees, A Branch of Betrayal, The Man's Greed
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of misplaced trust and the consequences of naivety, reminding us that sometimes, in our desire to be helpful, we may inadvertently empower those who wish to do us harm. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of being vigilant about whom we assist and the potential repercussions of our actions.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.