The Tortoise and the Birds
Story Summary
In "The Tortoise and the Birds," a simple short story with moral undertones, a Tortoise enlists an Eagle to carry him to a new home, promising a reward. However, when a Crow suggests the Tortoise would make a good meal, the Eagle, swayed by the idea, drops him on a rock, leading to his demise. This engaging moral tale serves as a cautionary reminder against trusting enemies for assistance, a common theme in famous moral stories and animal stories with moral lessons.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Never trust those who may have ulterior motives, as they can lead you to your downfall.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, a storyteller from ancient Greece, reflects themes of betrayal and the dangers of trusting those who may have ulterior motives. Variants of the tale can be found in various cultures, often emphasizing the moral that one should be cautious in choosing allies and not rely on those who might wish to harm you. The story is part of a broader tradition of animal fables that convey ethical lessons through the behaviors and interactions of animals.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable underscores the importance of being cautious about whom we trust and rely on for help, as not everyone has our best interests at heart. In modern life, this can be seen in scenarios such as a person seeking business advice from a competitor; if they are not careful, they might expose themselves to betrayal or exploitation, echoing the tortoise's tragic reliance on the Eagle.
You May Also Like
The Wolves and the Sheep
In "The Wolves and the Sheep," a classic tale from famous moral stories, the cunning Wolves persuade the naive Sheep to dismiss their protective Dogs by claiming the Dogs are the true source of conflict. This educational moral story illustrates the dangers of misplaced trust, as the defenseless Sheep fall victim to the Wolves' deceit, highlighting a vital life lesson about the importance of heeding wise counsel for personal growth.
The Scorpion and the Frog
In the captivating moral story "The Scorpion and the Frog," a scorpion persuades a frog to carry him across a stream by promising not to sting him, claiming it would lead to both their deaths. However, midway across, the scorpion stings the frog, leading to their mutual demise, as he explains, "It's my nature." This meaningful story with a moral serves as a reminder of the inherent traits that can lead to tragic consequences, making it one of the short stories to learn morals from.
The Cat and the Mice
In this simple moral story, a Cat enters a house overrun by Mice and captures them one by one, prompting the remaining Mice to stay hidden. To lure them out, she pretends to be dead, but one clever Mouse warns that those who have been deceived will always remain cautious. This famous moral story teaches a valuable life lesson about the importance of vigilance after being tricked.
Other names for this story
Tortoise's Flight, The Eagle's Betrayal, Tortoise and the Sky, A Shell's Downfall, Wings of Deceit, The Fateful Journey, From Shell to Sky, The Perils of Trust
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the dangers of relying on those who may not have your best interests at heart, highlighting the theme of betrayal and the consequences of misplaced trust. It serves as a cautionary tale about the risks involved in depending on others for help, particularly when they may have ulterior motives.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.