Loading...
The Mountain and the Mouse
fable
1 min read
0 comments
0:000:00
Story Summary
In "The Mountain and the Mouse," a mountain's dramatic labor attracts a crowd from seven cities, all eagerly awaiting a grand event. Instead, a humble Mouse emerges, prompting mockery from the onlookers, but it confidently claims expertise in diagnosing volcanic activity. This short moral tale serves as a reminder that true wisdom can come from unexpected sources, a theme often found in timeless moral stories for kids.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Great expectations can lead to disappointment when the outcome is much smaller than anticipated.
Historical Context
This story, often attributed to the ancient Greek fabulist Aesop, exemplifies the theme of exaggerated expectations versus inconsequential outcomes, a common motif in fables and folklore. It reflects a cultural critique of human folly and the tendency to invest significance in trivial events, resonating through various retellings in literature and modern adaptations. The moral underscores the idea that appearances can be deceiving, echoing the wisdom found in many traditional tales across cultures.
Our Editors Opinion
This story reflects the idea that grand expectations can sometimes lead to disappointing outcomes, reminding us that not all efforts yield the monumental results we anticipate. In modern life, a startup company might generate massive buzz and excitement with its innovative vision, only to launch a product that underwhelms consumers, echoing the tale's lesson that substance is more important than spectacle.
You May Also Like
A Causeway
A wealthy woman returning from abroad is warned by a policeman about the mud that could soil her shoes, but she dismisses the concern until she learns that newspaper men are lying in her path, eager for her to tread upon them. This prompts her to humorously decide to put on rubber boots, illustrating a clever twist on social expectations in concise moral stories. Ultimately, the lesson learned from this very short moral story highlights the importance of being mindful of one's actions and the perceptions of others.
class distinction
humility
Rich Woman
Policeman
The Two Bags
In the culturally significant moral story "The Two Bags," an ancient legend reveals that every person is born with two bags: one in front filled with the faults of others and a larger one behind containing their own faults. This poignant metaphor serves as a lesson learned from stories, illustrating how individuals are quick to perceive the shortcomings of others while often remaining blind to their own failings. As a compelling addition to short story collections with moral themes for adults, it emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and humility.
self-awareness
humility
Man
Neighbors
Mercury and the Sculptor
In "Mercury and the Sculptor," Mercury, disguised as a man, visits a sculptor to assess his esteem among mortals. After inquiring about the prices of Jupiter and Juno's statues, he humorously suggests his own statue should be valued higher, only for the sculptor to quip that he'd throw it in for free if Mercury buys the other two. This concise moral story highlights the importance of humility and the sometimes inflated self-worth that can lead to humorous situations.
humility
self-importance
Mercury
Sculptor
Other names for this story
"Mountain's Labor, Tiny Mouse, The Great Expectation, Unexpected Birth, Mighty Mountain, Smallest Surprise, Labor of Nature, Mouse's Wisdom"
Did You Know?
This fable by Aesop cleverly critiques the tendency of people to exaggerate their expectations and the often disappointing outcomes that follow, highlighting the contrast between grand anticipations and mundane realities. The Mouse's self-assuredness in diagnosing a volcano serves as a reminder that expertise can come from unexpected sources, regardless of size or stature.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.