The Bitch and Her Whelps
Story Summary
In the short story "The Bitch and Her Whelps," a dog seeks a shepherd's permission to give birth and raise her puppies in a safe spot. As the puppies grow and become protective, the Bitch claims exclusive ownership of the area, ultimately preventing the shepherd from coming near. This educational moral story teaches the importance of gratitude and the consequences of overstepping boundaries, making it a valuable lesson for personal growth.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that those who are given kindness and protection may sometimes turn against their benefactor and become ungrateful.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, reflects themes of entitlement and betrayal, illustrating how those once dependent can become possessive and ungrateful. The story highlights the moral lessons prevalent in ancient Greek culture, where animals often symbolize human traits and societal dynamics. Aesop's fables, passed down through oral tradition and later compiled in written form, serve as cautionary tales, emphasizing the complexities of relationships and power.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the dangers of entitlement and the consequences of taking advantage of kindness, which are relevant in modern life when considering issues of trust and boundaries in relationships and workplaces. For example, an employee who is given flexibility in their work schedule may initially appreciate the trust but could later exploit that leniency by overstepping boundaries, leading to conflict and resentment from their employer.
You May Also Like
The Farmer and the Snake
In "The Farmer and the Snake," a classic moral story, a farmer's act of kindness in rescuing a frozen snake leads to his mortal injury when the snake bites him after being revived. This thought-provoking tale illustrates that not all creatures deserve compassion, highlighting a powerful lesson found in many childhood stories with moral undertones: the greatest kindness can sometimes be met with ungratefulness. Ultimately, the farmer's fate serves as a reminder that compassion directed towards the undeserving can lead to harm.
Revenge
An insurance agent attempts to persuade a tough man to take out a fire policy on his house, passionately detailing the dangers of fire. When questioned about his motives, the agent reveals a dark secret: he seeks revenge against the insurance company for betraying his sweetheart, turning the encounter into a tale reminiscent of folklore with a moral about the consequences of deceit and the lessons learned from personal vendettas.
The Two Soldiers and the Robber
In this captivating moral story, two soldiers face a robber, where one bravely stands his ground while the other cowardly flees. After the robber is defeated, the timid soldier boasts of his intentions to fight, only to be dismissed by his courageous companion, who imparts a heartwarming life lesson about the true nature of bravery and the unreliability of hollow words. This culturally significant tale reminds us that actions speak louder than words in the face of adversity.
Other names for this story
"Whelping Rights, The Loyal Whelps, Shepherd's Dilemma, Bitch's Claim, Puppies and Protection, The Brave Whelps, A Mother's Guard, The Exclusive Den"
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of entitlement and the consequences of taking advantage of kindness; the once vulnerable Bitch, having relied on the shepherd's compassion, ultimately turns against him, highlighting how initial dependence can evolve into dominance and exclusion.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.