The Widow and Her Little Maidens
Story Summary
In this humorous tale from folklore, a cleanliness-obsessed widow wakes her two maidens at dawn, driving them to conspire against the rooster that crows at daybreak. However, their plan backfires when the widow begins to rouse them in the middle of the night, leading to even more trouble. This short moral story highlights the unintended consequences of seeking a quick solution, reminding readers that sometimes our actions can lead to greater challenges.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that trying to eliminate a problem can sometimes lead to even bigger difficulties.
Historical Context
This story echoes themes found in various folk tales and fables throughout history, particularly those emphasizing the consequences of one's actions. It resembles narratives from Aesop's Fables, where characters often face unintended repercussions for their decisions. This tale also reflects cultural values surrounding diligence and the irony of seeking to escape hard work, prevalent in many storytelling traditions across Europe and beyond.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates how attempts to eliminate a problem can sometimes lead to greater difficulties, a lesson that resonates in modern life where quick fixes can exacerbate issues. For instance, a worker frustrated by constant emails may decide to ignore all notifications, only to find themselves overwhelmed with a backlog of messages and deadlines, demonstrating that addressing the root cause is often more effective than seeking a hasty solution.
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Related Collections
Other names for this story
"Early Birds, Midnight Chores, The Widow's Wake-Up Call, Maidens' Revenge, The Cock's Curse, Nightly Nuisance, The Widow's Dilemma, Trouble at Dawn"
Did You Know?
This story illustrates the theme of unintended consequences, where the maidens' attempt to escape their early morning routine backfires, leading to even greater discomfort and hardship. It serves as a reminder that actions taken to alleviate a burden can sometimes lead to unforeseen complications.
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