The Thistles upon the Grave
Story Summary
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.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that even the most clever plans can be undermined by basic human needs and instincts.
Historical Context
The story of the Mind Reader echoes themes from various folklore and literary traditions that explore the intersections of deception, trickery, and the supernatural. Similar narratives can be found in European folk tales and cautionary tales that often feature characters testing the limits of human endurance or the consequences of overreaching ambition. This tale's twist ending reflects a common motif in storytelling, where cleverness is outsmarted by the simplicity of nature or human folly, reminiscent of Aesop's fables or the moral lessons found in many cultures' storytelling traditions.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the idea that even the most seemingly foolproof plans can be undermined by unexpected needs or desires, a lesson that resonates in modern life where overconfidence can lead to failure. For example, a tech entrepreneur might invest heavily in a startup, confident in its success, but neglects basic self-care; ultimately, burnout leads to the collapse of their ambitious project, reminding us that even the best-laid plans must account for personal well-being.
You May Also Like
Jupiter and the Birds
In "Jupiter and the Birds," Jupiter calls upon all the birds to choose the most beautiful one as their king. The jackdaw, disguised with borrowed feathers, initially impresses but is soon exposed, prompting indignation from the others. However, Jupiter praises the jackdaw's cleverness, declaring him king and illustrating a thought-provoking moral: that wit is more valuable than mere appearance, making this a memorable story with moral significance.
Two Kings
In the short moral story "Two Kings," the King of Madagao, embroiled in a dispute with the King of Bornegascar, demands the recall of his rival's Minister. Faced with an enraged refusal and the threat to withdraw the Minister instead, the terrified King of Madagao hastily complies, only to comically trip and fall, humorously violating the Third Commandment. This tale, rooted in folklore, serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and hasty decisions in well-known moral stories.
The Hen and the Golden Eggs
In this wisdom-packed moral story, a cottager and his wife, driven by greed, decide to kill their Hen that laid a golden egg every day, believing it must contain a treasure inside. However, they learn a valuable lesson when they discover the Hen was just like their other hens, ultimately depriving themselves of their daily wealth. This unique moral story highlights the dangers of impatience and greed, offering impactful lessons learned from stories that entertain while teaching.
Other names for this story
Mind Games in the Grave, Buried Secrets, Thistles and Mind Tricks, Graveyard Gamble, The Thistle Bet, Six Months Underground, The Mind Reader's Wager, Thistles of Deception
Did You Know?
This story highlights the theme of human resilience and the lengths to which people will go to challenge themselves, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The Mind Reader's unexpected failure to endure the challenge emphasizes the unpredictability of human nature and survival instincts, showcasing that even the most prepared plans can unravel in surprising ways.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.