Dame Fortune and the Traveller
Story Summary
In this captivating moral story, Dame Fortune discovers a weary Traveller asleep near a deep well and fears he might fall in, leading to unjust accusations against her. To prevent this from happening, she takes drastic action and rolls him into the well herself, highlighting the sometimes ironic and impactful lessons found in fable stories with moral undertones. This short moral tale serves as a reminder of the lengths one might go to avoid blame, revealing the complexities of justice and perception.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that sometimes, in an effort to avoid blame or responsibility, individuals may act in ways that lead to harmful consequences for others.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes from the tradition of fables and morality tales, often attributed to ancient sources like Aesop or later retellings in various cultures. The character of Dame Fortune embodies the capricious nature of fate, a recurring motif in literature that illustrates the unpredictability of luck and the consequences of negligence, echoing similar narratives found in works like Boccaccio's "Decameron" or Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales." Such stories often serve to impart moral lessons about awareness and responsibility in the face of life's uncertainties.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the unpredictable nature of fortune and the consequences of negligence, reminding us that our actions—or inactions—can lead to unexpected outcomes. For instance, a modern scenario could involve someone neglecting their responsibilities at work, assuming it will be fine, only to face severe repercussions when a project fails, leading them to blame external factors instead of taking responsibility for their own lack of diligence.
You May Also Like
The Fowler and the Viper
In this engaging moral tale, a fowler intent on catching a thrush inadvertently steps on a sleeping viper, which stings him, leading to his downfall. As he falls into a swoon, he reflects on the irony of becoming ensnared in danger while trying to ensnare another. This short story serves as a poignant reminder that in our pursuit of unique moral stories, we must be wary of the dangers that may lurk beneath our focus.
The Shepherd and the Sheep
In this short moral story, a shepherd seeks acorns for his sheep and spreads his cloak beneath an oak tree. However, while he gathers the nuts, the sheep inadvertently damage his cloak, prompting him to lament their ingratitude. This life-lesson story highlights the irony of how those who provide for others can be overlooked and mistreated, serving as an inspirational tale about appreciation and gratitude.
The Seeker and the Sought
In "The Seeker and the Sought," a clever politician uses bait to catch a turkey for dinner, humorously claiming that the bird sought him instead. This fable highlights his manipulative tactics and serves as a meaningful story with moral implications, showcasing the irony in his presentation while embodying the essence of popular moral stories.
Other names for this story
Fortune's Folly, The Well of Fate, A Traveler's Misfortune, Dame Fortune's Gamble, The Sleepy Traveler, Fortune's Reckoning, A Twist of Fate, The Well of Destiny
Did You Know?
This story highlights the irony of fate and the capricious nature of fortune, suggesting that sometimes, those who are meant to be protected can become victims of misfortune due to the very forces that aim to safeguard them. It serves as a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of life and the consequences of external forces acting on individuals.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.