Library / Aesop’s Fables

The Mountain in Labor

A fable attributed to Aesop

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The Mountain in Labor

Once, a mountain was greatly agitated. Loud groans and strange noises echoed through the valleys, drawing crowds of people from all corners to witness the commotion. As they gathered, filled with anxious anticipation of some terrible calamity, they couldn't help but speculate on what might be causing such a disturbance.

To their astonishment, from the depths of the mountain emerged a small Mouse. The crowd stared in disbelief, realizing that all their worry and concern had been for nothing. It was a gentle reminder that sometimes, what appears to be a great upheaval may simply be a minor incident.

The moral
Often, what appears to be a significant event may result in something trivial.

Discussion questions

  1. What does the reaction of the crowd to the mountain's noises tell us about human nature?
  2. How might "The Mountain in Labor" relate to situations we encounter in everyday life?

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Good night.

Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane