Story Summary
Explore the Slavic legend of The Golden Fish, where an old fisherman's kindness leads to his wife's insatiable greed and eventual downfall in this classic tale.
An old fisherman lived with his wife in a humble hovel by the sea. One day, he caught a shimmering Golden Fish that pleaded for its life, promising to grant any wish in return. Being kind, the old man released it without asking for anything. When he told his wife, she was furious and demanded he return to ask for a new trough to replace their broken one. The fish granted it instantly. Yet, the wife’s greed grew. She sent him back again and again, demanding a fine house, then to be a noblewoman, and then a powerful Tsaritsa. Each time the fisherman returned to the shore, the sea grew darker and more turbulent. Finally, the wife demanded to be the Ruler of the Sea with the Golden Fish as her servant. The fish said nothing and vanished into the depths. The man returned home to find the palace gone and his wife dressed in rags, sitting once again before her old, broken trough.
The Moral
Insatiable greed leads to the loss of everything one has gained. True contentment comes from appreciating what you have rather than constantly demanding more.
“She sat once more before her old, broken trough.”
Fun Fact
Alexander Pushkin’s poetic version of this tale is so ingrained in Russian culture that the phrase 'to be left at the broken trough' is a common idiom for losing everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Golden Fish?
The moral is that greed and an inability to be satisfied will eventually lead to ruin. By demanding too much and failing to appreciate her gifts, the wife loses everything and returns to poverty.
Who wrote the most famous version of The Golden Fish?
The most famous literary version was written by Alexander Pushkin in 1833, titled 'The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish.' It is based on traditional Slavic folklore.
What was the wife's final wish in the story?
Her final, fatal wish was to become the Ruler of the Sea and have the Golden Fish serve her personally. This ultimate act of hubris caused the fish to revoke all previous gifts.
How does the sea change throughout the story?
The sea serves as a visual metaphor for the Golden Fish's mood and the wife's greed. It starts calm and blue but becomes increasingly dark, choppy, and violent with every selfish request.
Is this story related to the Brothers Grimm tales?
Yes, it is a Slavic variation of the story 'The Fisherman and His Wife' found in German folklore. Both versions share the central theme of a magic fish and a greedy spouse.
What does the broken trough symbolize?
The broken trough represents the couple's humble beginnings and the wife's initial discontent. Its return at the end signifies the cyclical nature of fate and the total loss of her unearned wealth.
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