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The Crow and the Serpent
fable
1 min read
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Story Summary
In "The Crow and the Serpent," a timeless moral story, a hungry crow mistakenly believes he has found a fortunate meal in a sleeping serpent. However, the serpent's fatal bite leads to the crow's demise, teaching a valuable lesson about the dangers of greed and misjudgment. This meaningful tale serves as a reminder that what appears to be a lucky opportunity can sometimes be a source of destruction in real-life stories with moral significance.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Be cautious of what appears to be a fortunate opportunity, as it may lead to your downfall.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, reflects themes found in ancient Greek storytelling, where animals embody human traits to convey moral lessons. The tale warns against greed and the dangers of underestimating potential threats, echoing similar motifs in various cultures, such as the cautionary tales found in Indian Panchatantra and other folklore traditions. Aesop's fables have been retold and adapted throughout history, emphasizing their enduring relevance in illustrating the complexities of human nature.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the dangers of greed and the unforeseen consequences of our choices, a lesson that resonates in today's fast-paced world where instant gratification often leads to perilous outcomes. For instance, a person might impulsively invest in a high-risk stock that promises quick returns, only to suffer significant financial loss when the market turns, realizing too late that their greed overshadowed prudent judgment.
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Other names for this story
"Fatal Feast, The Crow's Regret, Serpent's Bite, Perilous Meal, The Deceptive Prize, Death from Desire, The Crow's Downfall, Lethal Lure"
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of the dangers of greed, as the Crow's desire for an easy meal leads to its demise, highlighting the idea that what may initially seem like a blessing can sometimes turn out to be a curse.
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