The Swallow the Serpent and the Court of Justice

Story Summary
In "The Swallow the Serpent and the Court of Justice," a Swallow builds her nest in a Court of Justice, only to have her seven young birds eaten by a Serpent. This poignant tale serves as one of the famous fables with moral lessons, highlighting the injustice of suffering wrong in a place meant to protect all rights. A quick read story with moral undertones, it reminds us that even in the most trusted environments, vulnerabilities can exist, making it an entertaining and thought-provoking animal story.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Even in a place meant to uphold justice, the innocent may still suffer injustice.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, dates back to ancient Greece and reflects themes of justice and the vulnerability of the innocent in a society that claims to uphold law and order. The imagery of the Swallow and the Serpent serves as a metaphor for the harsh realities of life, where those in power may exploit the defenseless, a sentiment echoed in various cultural retellings throughout history, emphasizing the need for vigilance in safeguarding the rights of all.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the vulnerability of those who seek refuge or community in unfamiliar environments, emphasizing the need for vigilance and support systems within society. In modern life, a real-life scenario could involve a migrant family settling in a new country, only to find that despite the laws protecting their rights, they face exploitation or discrimination, leaving them feeling abandoned and powerless.
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Other names for this story
"Justice Denied, The Swallow's Lament, Serpent's Deceit, Nest of Injustice, Wings of Woe, Courtroom Tragedy, The Swallow's Grief, Justice for All"
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the irony of seeking refuge in a place of justice, only to encounter betrayal and loss, emphasizing the vulnerability of the innocent in a system that is supposed to protect them. It reflects on the theme of injustice and the often harsh realities faced by those who place their trust in societal structures.
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Story Details
- Age Group
- adultkidschildrenstory for class 2story for class 3story for class 4story for class 5story for class 6
- Theme
- injusticevulnerabilitythe conflict between nature and society
- Characters
- SwallowSerpentyoung birdsCourt of Justice
- Setting
- Court of Justicewallhole in the wall