The Oaks and Jupiter
Story Summary
In "The Oaks and Jupiter," a classic moral story, the oaks lament their constant threat of being cut down, feeling burdened by life. Jupiter responds with a wise lesson, explaining that their own strength and usefulness as pillars for carpenters and farmers make them targets for the axe. This engaging moral tale highlights how our qualities can lead to both advantages and misfortunes, a theme often found in childhood stories with moral lessons.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that one's utility and service to others can lead to greater vulnerability and risk.
Historical Context
"The Oaks" draws from the rich tradition of Aesop's Fables, which often convey moral lessons through anthropomorphized animals and nature. Originating in ancient Greece, these tales reflect cultural values of the time, emphasizing themes of self-awareness and the consequences of one’s own actions. This particular fable illustrates the idea that one's usefulness can also lead to vulnerability, a concept echoed in various retellings throughout history, including those by later fabulists and in moral literature.
Our Editors Opinion
The fable of The Oaks highlights the modern dilemma of being overvalued for our utility, often leading to exploitation and vulnerability. For instance, a dedicated employee may take on excessive responsibilities to prove their worth, ultimately risking burnout or job insecurity because their value is tied solely to their productivity rather than their well-being.
You May Also Like
The Thirsty Pigeon
In "The Thirsty Pigeon," a moral story that serves as a cautionary tale for children, a pigeon, desperate for water, mistakenly believes a painted goblet on a signboard is real and crashes into it, injuring herself. Captured by a bystander, her plight illustrates the importance of discretion over impulsive actions, making it a valuable lesson found in motivational stories with moral for class 7.
The Spendthrift and the Swallow
In this cautionary tale, a young spendthrift squanders his inheritance and, mistaking an early Swallow's arrival for the arrival of summer, sells his last cloak. When winter returns and the Swallow lies dead, he realizes that both their fates were sealed by the premature hope inspired by the bird's early appearance. This story serves as an important moral lesson, illustrating the dangers of acting impulsively and the consequences of misplaced optimism.
The Thistles upon the Grave
In the very short moral story "The Thistles upon the Grave," a Mind Reader wagers that he can be buried alive for six months, using thistles to secure his grave against disturbances. However, after only three months, he emerges to eat the thistles, losing the bet and illustrating the folly of underestimating basic needs. This simple short story serves as a reminder that even the most clever plans can be undone by simple desires, making it a notable example among famous moral stories for class 7.
Other names for this story
The Burden of Oaks, Jupiter's Judgment, Trees of Peril, The Fate of the Oaks, Pillars of Misfortune, The Axe and the Oaks, Jupiter's Wisdom, Nature's Servants
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of self-awareness and responsibility, illustrating how the Oaks' own usefulness makes them vulnerable to exploitation; their strength, while admirable, inadvertently invites danger. It serves as a reminder that our greatest assets can also lead to our greatest challenges.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.