The Woman and Her Hen
Story Summary
In this famous moral story, a woman who owned a hen that laid an egg daily became greedy, hoping to receive two eggs by feeding the hen extra barley. Instead, her actions backfired as the hen grew fat and stopped laying eggs altogether, leaving her with nothing. This uplifting moral story serves as a life lesson: greed can lead to unexpected consequences, reminding us to appreciate what we have.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Greed can lead to loss; seeking more can result in having nothing.
Historical Context
The story of the woman and her hen is a fable that reflects the moral lessons found in Aesop's Fables, which originated in ancient Greece. This tale illustrates themes of greed and the consequences of overreaching, common in folklore across cultures, where characters often learn that trying to gain more can lead to losing what one already possesses. Similar narratives can be found in various cultures, emphasizing the timeless nature of these moral lessons.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the dangers of greed and the tendency to sacrifice what we already have in pursuit of more. In modern life, a scenario could involve an employee who is consistently recognized for their hard work but, in a bid for a promotion, takes on excessive projects and responsibilities, ultimately leading to burnout and decreased performance instead of the desired advancement.
You May Also Like
The Hen and the Vipers
In the entertaining moral story "The Hen and the Vipers," a hen hatches a brood of vipers, prompting a swallow to criticize her for nurturing creatures that could harm her. The hen calmly defends her choice, stating that she plans to enjoy one of the vipers as a delicacy, illustrating a simple lesson about making the most of one's circumstances. This quick read story delivers a well-known moral about pragmatism and the complexities of nurturing.
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 Huntsman and the Fisherman
In this short moral tale, a Huntsman and a Fisherman delight in exchanging their catches, finding joy in each other's bounty. However, a wise neighbor warns them that such frequent exchanges may diminish their enjoyment, suggesting they should abstain to fully appreciate their own pursuits. This story serves as a reminder that sometimes, enjoying what we have is more fulfilling than seeking constant variety.
Other names for this story
The Greedy Hen, The Egg Dilemma, Hen and the Barley, The Woman's Wish, The Eggless Hen, A Lesson in Greed, The Hen's Secret, The Price of Plenty
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of greed and the consequences of trying to rush natural processes; the woman's desire for more led to the loss of what she already had, highlighting the importance of appreciating and nurturing what we possess rather than seeking to exploit it.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.