The Cock and the Jewel
Story Summary
In "The Cock and the Jewel," a cock, while searching for food, stumbles upon a precious jewel but declares it worthless compared to a simple grain of barley. This engaging moral tale emphasizes that practical needs surpass material wealth, illustrating a key lesson found in many creative moral stories. Through this animal story with moral, readers are reminded that true value lies in fulfilling basic necessities rather than chasing after superficial riches.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Value lies in utility rather than in material worth; what is precious to one may be worthless to another.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, reflects themes of practicality versus greed, emphasizing the value of simple, tangible needs over wealth and luxury. The story has been retold in various cultures, often highlighting the wisdom of prioritizing what is truly useful over superficial riches, a common moral lesson in folklore that resonates across different societies. Aesop's Fables, originating in ancient Greece, have influenced literary traditions worldwide, serving as moral guides through their concise narratives.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the idea that practical value often outweighs material wealth, a lesson that resonates in modern life where many prioritize experiences and necessities over the allure of luxury. For instance, a person might choose to invest in a meaningful vacation with loved ones rather than spending money on expensive gadgets that offer fleeting satisfaction, reflecting the belief that true richness lies in what genuinely enhances our lives.
You May Also Like
The Thieves and the Cock
In "The Thieves and the Cock," a group of thieves steals a rooster but decides to kill it, only to have the rooster plead for its life by highlighting its role in waking people for work. The thieves reject his plea, illustrating a key lesson learned from stories: those with malicious intent despise anything that promotes virtue. This humorous story serves as one of the best moral tales, reminding us that the safeguards of virtue are often hated by those who wish to do wrong.
The Fox the Cock and the Dog
In "The Fox the Cock and the Dog," a clever Fox tries to deceive a Cock with the news of a universal truce, claiming that all beasts will coexist peacefully. However, when the Cock mentions the approaching Dog, the Fox quickly retreats, illustrating how cunning can backfire. This classic fable, part of impactful moral stories, teaches that those who attempt to trick others may end up ensnared by their own deceit.
The Lamp
In "The Lamp," a boastful lamp, overly confident in its brightness, claims to outshine the sun but is quickly extinguished by a gust of wind. After relighting it, its owner imparts a life lesson, urging the lamp to embrace humility and provide light quietly, reminding it that even the stars do not need to be reignited. This simple short story conveys a timeless moral found in many famous fables, illustrating the importance of modesty in our pursuits.
Other names for this story
The Rooster's Treasure, A Jewel's Worth, The Cock's Choice, The Gem and the Fowl, The Value of Simplicity, The Hen's Hunt, Barley over Bling, The Prized Stone
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of valuing practicality over material wealth, as the cock prioritizes the immediate necessity of food for survival over the allure of a precious gem, illustrating the idea that true worth lies in usefulness rather than opulence.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.