The Thieves and the Cock
Story Summary
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.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Evil-doers despise those who uphold virtue, as they threaten their dishonest pursuits.
Historical Context
This fable reflects a moral lesson commonly found in Aesop's Fables, attributed to the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop, who lived around the 6th century BCE. The narrative, emphasizing the conflict between virtue and vice, has parallels in various cultures, illustrating how those who engage in wrongdoing often resent the forces that promote order and diligence. Its enduring themes have inspired numerous retellings across different literary traditions, reinforcing the idea that integrity can be a threat to those who pursue selfish ends.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the idea that those who engage in wrongdoing often seek to eliminate anything that might expose or disrupt their actions. In modern life, this can be seen in scenarios where individuals or organizations attempt to silence whistleblowers or critics who highlight unethical practices. For instance, a company might retaliate against an employee who reports safety violations, viewing their moral integrity as a threat to their ability to continue harmful or dishonest operations.
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Other names for this story
"The Cock's Plea, Thieves' Dilemma, The Rooster Rescue, The Stolen Alarm, Thieves vs. the Cock, The Cock That Cried, Night Watcher Thieves, The Cunning Rooster"
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme that those who engage in wrongdoing often see the tools of virtue, such as vigilance and responsibility, as threats to their dishonest endeavors, highlighting the inherent conflict between good and evil in society.
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