Greek FablesAdditional Aesop

The Trees and the Axe

A forest's small concession leads to its total destruction at the hands of a woodman.

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Illustration for The Trees and the Axe - a additional aesop Greek Fables story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Explore the classic Aesop’s fable, The Trees and the Axe. Learn why the forest's decision to sacrifice one of their own led to the downfall of the entire wood.

A woodman once entered a vast forest and petitioned the trees to grant him a small piece of wood to make a handle for his axe. The elder trees, thinking the request modest and harmless, held a council and agreed that the plain, humble ash tree should provide the wood. No sooner had the woodman fitted the new handle than he began to swing his axe with newfound vigor, felling the noble oaks and tall pines one by one. As the great trees crashed to the earth, an old oak whispered to a neighbor with his final breath, 'By sacrificing our humble brother to appease the woodman, we have sealed our own fate and provided the very tool for our destruction.'

The Moral

When we betray the rights of others to satisfy an enemy, we ultimately invite our own ruin.

“By sacrificing our humble brother, we have sealed our own fate.”

Fun Fact

This fable has been used for centuries as a political allegory, warning leaders that sacrificing the interests of smaller allies often leads to their own eventual downfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Trees and the Axe?

The moral is that by betraying our neighbors or those we consider insignificant, we provide the tools for our own destruction. It serves as a stern warning against shortsightedness and a lack of community solidarity.

Who is the author of this fable?

The story is traditionally attributed to Aesop, the legendary Greek storyteller. It is part of the Aesopic tradition, which uses nature-based metaphors to impart ethical and practical life lessons.

Why did the trees help the woodman?

The trees viewed the woodman's request as minor and harmless, believing that sacrificing a 'lesser' tree like the ash would satisfy him. They failed to realize the axe head was useless without the handle they provided.

What does the axe handle symbolize?

The axe handle symbolizes the cooperation or resources we provide to those who may harm us. It represents the 'missing link' that enables an enemy to carry out their destructive intentions.

Is The Trees and the Axe a Greek fable?

Yes, it is a well-known Greek fable from the collection of Aesop. It has been retold throughout history in various cultures to emphasize the importance of protecting the vulnerable.

What happens to the forest at the end of the story?

Once the woodman has his handle, he immediately uses the completed axe to chop down the largest and most noble trees in the forest. The trees realize too late that their compromise was their undoing.