The Thieves and the Cock
Story Summary
In "The Thieves and the Cock," a group of thieves steals a rooster but decides to kill it, only to have the rooster plead for its life by highlighting its role in waking people for work. The thieves reject his plea, illustrating a key lesson learned from stories: those with malicious intent despise anything that promotes virtue. This humorous story serves as one of the best moral tales, reminding us that the safeguards of virtue are often hated by those who wish to do wrong.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Evil-doers despise those who uphold virtue, as they threaten their dishonest pursuits.
Historical Context
This fable reflects a moral lesson commonly found in Aesop's Fables, attributed to the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop, who lived around the 6th century BCE. The narrative, emphasizing the conflict between virtue and vice, has parallels in various cultures, illustrating how those who engage in wrongdoing often resent the forces that promote order and diligence. Its enduring themes have inspired numerous retellings across different literary traditions, reinforcing the idea that integrity can be a threat to those who pursue selfish ends.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the idea that those who engage in wrongdoing often seek to eliminate anything that might expose or disrupt their actions. In modern life, this can be seen in scenarios where individuals or organizations attempt to silence whistleblowers or critics who highlight unethical practices. For instance, a company might retaliate against an employee who reports safety violations, viewing their moral integrity as a threat to their ability to continue harmful or dishonest operations.
You May Also Like
A Protagonist of Silver
In "A Protagonist of Silver," a Member of a governmental body delivers a heartwarming moral speech to fellow financiers, framing their vested interests in silver mining as a noble cause against the government's recent decision to undermine the metal. This grand rhetoric inspires a rare moment of solidarity, prompting the Members to leave the hall, marking a significant action reminiscent of simple moral stories that highlight the importance of unity and purpose.
An Inadequate Fee
In "An Inadequate Fee," a trapped Ox enlists the help of a Political Pull, who rescues him from the mire but is left with only the Ox's skin as a reward. Discontent with this meager fee, the Political Pull vows to return for more, highlighting the lessons learned from stories about greed and the costs of assistance. This short moral story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the value of help received, even in challenging situations.
The Crow and the Serpent
In "The Crow and the Serpent," a timeless moral story, a hungry crow mistakenly believes he has found a fortunate meal in a sleeping serpent. However, the serpent's fatal bite leads to the crow's demise, teaching a valuable lesson about the dangers of greed and misjudgment. This meaningful tale serves as a reminder that what appears to be a lucky opportunity can sometimes be a source of destruction in real-life stories with moral significance.
Other names for this story
"The Cock's Plea, Thieves' Dilemma, The Rooster Rescue, The Stolen Alarm, Thieves vs. the Cock, The Cock That Cried, Night Watcher Thieves, The Cunning Rooster"
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme that those who engage in wrongdoing often see the tools of virtue, such as vigilance and responsibility, as threats to their dishonest endeavors, highlighting the inherent conflict between good and evil in society.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.