Moral FablesAesop's Fables Extended

The North Wind and the Sun

A contest of strength proves that warmth and persuasion are more powerful than brute force.

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Illustration for The North Wind and the Sun - a aesop's fables extended Moral Fables story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Explore the classic Aesop's fable, The North Wind and the Sun. Discover how gentleness triumphs over brute force in this timeless tale of a contest of power.

The North Wind and the Sun once disputed which of them was the stronger. They agreed to a trial of strength: whoever could make a passing traveler take off his cloak would be declared the victor. The North Wind began first. He blew with all his might, sending a cold, howling blast against the man. But the harder the wind blew, the more closely the traveler wrapped his cloak around his body. At last, the North Wind gave up in despair. Then the Sun broke through the clouds and shone down with all his golden warmth. The traveler soon felt the pleasant heat, unbuttoned his coat, and finally cast it aside to rest in the shade. The Sun had won by gentleness what the Wind could not take by force.

The Moral

Gentleness and kind persuasion are more effective than force and aggression.

“The Sun had won by gentleness what the Wind could not take by force.”

Fun Fact

This specific fable is frequently used by linguists as a standard text to illustrate the phonetics and accents of different languages and dialects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The North Wind and the Sun?

The moral is that gentleness and persuasion are often more powerful than force. It teaches that you can achieve better results through kindness than through aggression or coercion.

Who won the contest between the North Wind and the Sun?

The Sun won the contest by shining warmly on the traveler. While the Wind's force made the man cling tighter to his cloak, the Sun's warmth encouraged him to remove it voluntarily.

Why did the traveler hold his cloak tighter during the wind?

The traveler held his cloak tighter as a natural defense against the cold and biting gusts. The more the North Wind tried to force the cloak off, the more the man felt the need to protect himself.

What does the Sun symbolize in this fable?

The Sun symbolizes warmth, patience, and the 'soft' approach to problem-solving. It represents the idea that providing a positive environment leads to better outcomes than using intimidation.

Is The North Wind and the Sun a real Aesop fable?

Yes, it is one of the most famous fables attributed to Aesop, a storyteller believed to have lived in ancient Greece. It has been used for centuries to teach diplomacy and soft power.

What is the significance of the cloak in the story?

The cloak represents the traveler's protection and ego. When attacked by the wind, he defends it fiercely, but when met with the Sun's warmth, he gives it up freely and without struggle.