Story Summary
Read The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs, a classic Aesop fable. Discover how a greedy farmer loses his source of wealth by wanting too much all at once.
A countryman and his wife once possessed a Goose that had the remarkable ability to lay a golden egg every single morning. For a time, they were happy and grew quite wealthy, but as their riches increased, so did their greed. They began to think that the bird must be filled with a great lump of gold inside, and they imagined they could secure all that wealth at once without waiting for the daily gift. Driven by this avarice, they decided to kill the bird. However, upon cutting the Goose open, they were shocked to find that its insides were exactly like those of any other goose. In their haste to get everything, they destroyed the very source of their prosperity and were left with nothing.
The Moral
Greed often overreaches itself, causing one to lose everything by wanting too much too soon.
“Those who have plenty want more and so lose all they have.”
Fun Fact
While we usually think of a goose, many early versions of this fable actually featured a golden-egg-laying hen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs?
The moral is that greed often leads to ruin. By trying to get everything at once, the couple lost the steady source of wealth they already enjoyed.
Who wrote the original story of the golden goose?
The story is one of Aesop's Fables, traditionally attributed to a storyteller who lived in ancient Greece. It has been adapted by many authors, including Jean de La Fontaine.
What does the idiom 'killing the goose that lays the golden eggs' mean?
It refers to an short-sighted action that destroys the source of one's own profit or success. It warns against sacrificing long-term stability for immediate, greedy desires.
Why did the farmer kill the goose?
He mistakenly believed that if the bird laid golden eggs, its body must be filled with gold. He wanted to become instantly rich rather than waiting for one egg each day.
Are there different versions of this fable?
Yes, in many older translations and different cultures, the bird is a hen instead of a goose. However, the 'Golden Goose' remains the most iconic version in English literature.
What is the main theme of the story?
The central theme is greed versus gratitude. It explores how the human desire for 'more' can blind people to the value of what they currently possess.
Discussion (0)
Share your thoughts on this story
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
