The Disinterested Arbiter
Story Summary
In the classic moral story "The Disinterested Arbiter," two dogs fighting over a bone seek the judgment of a sheep. After patiently hearing their dispute, the sheep, being a vegetarian, throws the bone into a pond, leaving the dogs without a resolution. This educational moral story highlights the futility of relying on an uninterested party to resolve conflicts, making it a valuable lesson for students in storytelling with morals.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that sometimes, those who are uninvolved in a conflict may take actions that disregard the interests of both parties.
Historical Context
This fable reflects the moralistic tradition of Aesop's Fables, which originated in ancient Greece and often features animals as characters to convey ethical lessons. The story highlights themes of conflict resolution and the absurdity of disputes over material possessions, while also introducing a humorous twist on dietary choices, showcasing the cultural significance of vegetarianism in various societies throughout history. This retelling aligns with the long-standing tradition of using animals to illustrate human folly and moral lessons.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the futility of disputes that only serve to harm all parties involved, a lesson that resonates in modern life where conflicts often escalate over trivial matters. For instance, in the workplace, two colleagues might argue over credit for a project, only to jeopardize their working relationship and team morale; instead, collaborating and sharing recognition could lead to a more productive and harmonious environment.
You May Also Like
The Dogs and the Hides
In "The Dogs and the Hides," a group of hungry dogs, frustrated by their inability to reach cowhides in a river, foolishly attempt to drink the river dry. Their overindulgence leads to their demise before they can even get to the hides, illustrating a simple lesson from stories about the dangers of attempting the impossible. This unique moral story serves as an inspirational short tale for children, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's limits.
The Stag the Wolf and the Sheep
In "The Stag the Wolf and the Sheep," a Stag seeks a measure of wheat from a Sheep, promising the Wolf as a guarantor. The cautious Sheep declines, fearing both parties' deceit, illustrating the lesson that two dishonest individuals do not create trust. This wisdom-packed moral story teaches young readers that caution is essential when dealing with untrustworthy characters.
Hercules and Pallas
In this engaging moral tale, Hercules encounters a strange monster named Strife, which grows larger with each blow he strikes. Guided by Pallas, he learns that conflict only feeds the creature, and by ceasing to fight, it will shrink back to its original size. This heartwarming moral story illustrates that sometimes, ignoring conflict is the key to resolution, echoing themes found in well-known fable stories with moral lessons.
Other names for this story
"Bone of Contention, The Unbiased Mediator, The Vegetarian Verdict, The Neutral Judge, Dispute in the Meadow, The Indifferent Arbiter, Canine Conflict Resolution, The Sheep's Solution"
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of conflict resolution and the idea that sometimes an impartial mediator can take an unexpected approach to resolve disputes, highlighting the absurdity of fighting over trivial matters. The Sheep's solution emphasizes the futility of their argument by removing the source of contention entirely.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.