Jupiter and the Monkey
Story Summary
In "Jupiter and the Monkey," a culturally significant moral story, Jupiter promises a reward for the handsomest offspring in the forest. The Monkey proudly presents her ill-featured son, asserting that he is the most beautiful in her eyes, despite the laughter of others. This short and sweet moral story teaches kids that a mother's love transcends appearances, highlighting simple lessons from stories about self-acceptance and inner beauty.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The love of a parent for their child transcends external appearances and societal opinions.
Historical Context
This fable is reminiscent of Aesop's collection of moral tales, which originated in ancient Greece around the 6th century BCE. Aesop's fables often feature anthropomorphized animals and convey moral lessons through their narratives, reflecting cultural values about family, perception, and self-acceptance. The story highlights the theme of maternal love and subjective beauty, common in various retellings across cultures, illustrating how love can blind one to flaws in their offspring.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the theme of unconditional love and the subjective nature of beauty, reminding us that personal connections often lead to biased perceptions of worth. In modern life, a parent may celebrate their child's unique talents and individuality, regardless of societal standards, as seen when a mother proudly shares her child's achievements at a school talent show, knowing that to her, their success is unparalleled.
You May Also Like
The Fox and the Monkey
In "The Fox and the Monkey," a boastful Monkey claims that monuments in a cemetery honor his illustrious ancestors, who were esteemed freedmen. The clever Fox highlights the ease of lying when there are no witnesses to challenge the falsehoods, illustrating that a false tale often betrays itself. This fable serves as a life-changing story with a moral, reminding readers of the importance of honesty in impactful moral stories.
The Frogs Complaint Against the Sun
In "The Frogs' Complaint Against the Sun," a classic tale from short story collections with moral lessons, the Frogs voice their fears to Jupiter about the Sun's intention to marry, worried that his future offspring could further dry out their marshy homes. This bedtime moral story highlights the Frogs' plight, emphasizing the importance of considering the consequences of one's actions, making it a valuable addition to childhood stories with moral insights. As they lament their dire situation, the narrative encourages personal growth by reflecting on the potential impact of new beginnings.
The Raven and the Swan
In "The Raven and the Swan," a raven envies the swan's beautiful white feathers and mistakenly believes that washing in water will grant him the same appearance. This simple moral story illustrates that despite his efforts to change his habits, the raven cannot alter his inherent nature, ultimately leading to his demise from starvation. Such short and sweet moral stories remind us that true change comes from within, not from superficial actions.
Other names for this story
Jupiter's Royal Decree, The Monkey's Bold Claim, Beauty in a Monkey's Eyes, Jupiter's Handsome Challenge, The Monkey's Heartfelt Pride, Forest Beasts and Beauty, A Mother's Love and Jupiter's Prize, The Unlikely Beauty Contest
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of maternal love and subjective beauty, illustrating how a mother's affection can shape her perception of her child's worth, regardless of societal standards or opinions. It serves as a reminder that love often blinds us to imperfections and elevates our own to an unparalleled status.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.