The Swallow the Serpent and the Court of Justice
Story Summary
In "The Swallow the Serpent and the Court of Justice," a Swallow builds her nest in a Court of Justice, only to have her seven young birds eaten by a Serpent. This poignant tale serves as one of the famous fables with moral lessons, highlighting the injustice of suffering wrong in a place meant to protect all rights. A quick read story with moral undertones, it reminds us that even in the most trusted environments, vulnerabilities can exist, making it an entertaining and thought-provoking animal story.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Even in a place meant to uphold justice, the innocent may still suffer injustice.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, dates back to ancient Greece and reflects themes of justice and the vulnerability of the innocent in a society that claims to uphold law and order. The imagery of the Swallow and the Serpent serves as a metaphor for the harsh realities of life, where those in power may exploit the defenseless, a sentiment echoed in various cultural retellings throughout history, emphasizing the need for vigilance in safeguarding the rights of all.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the vulnerability of those who seek refuge or community in unfamiliar environments, emphasizing the need for vigilance and support systems within society. In modern life, a real-life scenario could involve a migrant family settling in a new country, only to find that despite the laws protecting their rights, they face exploitation or discrimination, leaving them feeling abandoned and powerless.
You May Also Like
The Crow and the Serpent
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.
The Swallow and the Other Birds
In "The Swallow and the Other Birds," a Swallow warns fellow birds about the hemp seeds being sown by a Countryman, emphasizing the risk of future traps. Ignoring this advice leads the birds to become ensnared in nets made from the grown hemp, a poignant lesson in the importance of heeding warnings in real-life stories with moral implications. This easy small story with moral teaches that addressing potential dangers early can prevent ruin.
The Manslayer
In "The Manslayer," a murderer fleeing from the victim's relatives desperately seeks refuge in a tree by the Nile, only to find a serpent waiting for him. In his panic, he jumps into the river, where a crocodile swiftly catches him, illustrating that nature offers no sanctuary for criminals. This short and moral story serves as a powerful reminder that wrongdoers cannot escape their fate, making it an inspirational short story with a clear moral.
Other names for this story
"Justice Denied, The Swallow's Lament, Serpent's Deceit, Nest of Injustice, Wings of Woe, Courtroom Tragedy, The Swallow's Grief, Justice for All"
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the irony of seeking refuge in a place of justice, only to encounter betrayal and loss, emphasizing the vulnerability of the innocent in a system that is supposed to protect them. It reflects on the theme of injustice and the often harsh realities faced by those who place their trust in societal structures.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.
Explore More Stories
Story Details
- Age Group
- adultkidschildrenstory for class 2story for class 3story for class 4story for class 5story for class 6
- Theme
- injusticevulnerabilitythe conflict between nature and society
- Characters
- SwallowSerpentyoung birdsCourt of Justice
- Setting
- Court of Justicewallhole in the wall