The Crow and the Sheep
Story Summary
In the very short moral story "The Crow and the Sheep," a troublesome crow humorously bullies a sheep by riding on its back, showcasing her tendency to target the weak while avoiding stronger animals. The sheep points out that such behavior would not be tolerated by a dog, but the crow justifies her actions, claiming they help her survive. This easy small story with moral lessons highlights the importance of recognizing true strength and the consequences of bullying.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that those who exploit the weak while avoiding confrontation with the strong may find temporary safety, but their actions demonstrate a lack of true courage and integrity.
Historical Context
This fable echoes the themes found in Aesop's Fables, a collection of moral tales attributed to the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop, dating back to the 6th century BCE. The story highlights the dynamics of power and manipulation, reflecting cultural values surrounding strength and cunning, and has been retold in various forms across cultures, emphasizing the moral that the weak may often be exploited by the strong. It serves as a commentary on social hierarchies and the nature of survival in a competitive world.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the dynamics of power and bullying in modern life, where individuals may exploit the vulnerabilities of others to gain personal advantage. For instance, in a workplace scenario, an employee might take credit for a colleague's ideas, preying on their submissive nature, while avoiding confrontation with more assertive coworkers, ultimately hindering collaboration and morale.
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Other names for this story
Crow's Clever Trick, The Sheep's Dilemma, Bully and the Weak, The Devious Crow, Sheep's Silent Struggle, The Wise Sheep's Complaint, Crow's Calculated Game, Strength vs. Weakness
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of power dynamics in relationships, illustrating how the Crow manipulates the Sheep due to its perceived weakness, revealing the often exploitative nature of the strong over the weak in the animal kingdom and human society alike.
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