Author Topic: Aesop's Fables (Read 7147 times)

hubag bohol · « **on:** May 31, 2010, 08:11:24 AM »

Remember those short, short childhood stories with a punch line, er, moral lesson? Those were likely among the many well-loved Aesop's fables known all over the world.

What is your favorite fable? Mine is the following:

The Frog And The Ox

"Oh Father," said a little Frog to the big one sitting by the side of a pool, "I have seen such a terrible monster! It was as big as a mountain, with horns on its head, and a long tail, and it had hoofs divided in two."

"Tush, child, tush," said the old Frog, "that was only Farmer White's Ox. It isn't so big either; he may be a little bit taller than I, but I could easily make myself quite as broad; just you see." So he blew himself out, and blew himself out, and blew himself out. "Was he as big as that?" asked he.

"Oh, much bigger than that," said the young Frog.

Again the old one blew himself out, and asked the young one if the Ox was as big as that.

"Bigger, father, bigger," was the reply.

So the Frog took a deep breath, and blew and blew and blew, and swelled and swelled and swelled. And then he said: "I'm sure the Ox is not as big as this." But at this moment he burst.

Moral lesson: Self-conceit may lead to self-destruction.

- face of little frog upon seeing father frog burst

- face of the ox

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wolfpack823 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 31, 2010, 08:35:38 AM »

The Laborer and the Snake

A SNAKE, having made his hole close to the porch of a cottage,
inflicted a mortal bite on the Cottager's infant son. Grieving
over his loss, the Father resolved to kill the Snake. The next
day, when it came out of its hole for food, he took up his axe,
but by swinging too hastily, missed its head and cut off only the
end of its tail. After some time the Cottager, afraid that the
Snake would bite him also, endeavored to make peace, and placed
some bread and salt in the hole. The Snake, slightly hissing,
said: "There can henceforth be no peace between us; for whenever
I see you I shall remember the loss of my tail, and whenever you
see me you will be thinking of the death of your son."

No one truly forgets injuries in the presence of him
who caused the injury.

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #2 on:** May 31, 2010, 08:40:50 AM »

The fable in pictures...

www.litscape.com

www.gutenberg.org

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #3 on:** May 31, 2010, 08:50:32 AM »

The Laborer and the Snake

A SNAKE, having made his hole close to the porch of a cottage,
inflicted a mortal bite on the Cottager's infant son. Grieving
over his loss, the Father resolved to kill the Snake. The next
day, when it came out of its hole for food, he took up his axe,
but by swinging too hastily, missed its head and cut off only the
end of its tail. After some time the Cottager, afraid that the
Snake would bite him also, endeavored to make peace, and placed
some bread and salt in the hole. The Snake, slightly hissing,
said: "There can henceforth be no peace between us; for whenever
I see you I shall remember the loss of my tail, and whenever you
see me you will be thinking of the death of your son."

No one truly forgets injuries in the presence of him
who caused the injury.

This is a nice one, Wolf.

~~

AN OLD WOMAN found an empty jar which had lately been full of
prime old wine and which still retained the fragrant smell of its
former contents. She greedily placed it several times to her
nose, and drawing it backwards and forwards said, "O most
delicious! How nice must the Wine itself have been, when it
leaves behind in the very vessel which contained it so sweet a
perfume!"

The Moral: The memory of a good deed lives.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #4 on:** May 31, 2010, 08:52:09 AM »

The Vixen and the Lioness

A Vixen who was taking her babies out for an airing one balmy
morning, came across a Lioness, with her cub in arms. "Why such
airs, haughty dame, over one solitary cub?" sneered the Vixen. "Look
at my healthy and numerous litter here, and imagine, if you are
able, how a proud mother should feel." The Lioness gave her a
squelching look, and lifting up her nose, walked away, saying
calmly, "Yes, just look at that beautiful collection. What are they?
Foxes! I've only one, but remember, that one is a Lion."

"Quality is better than quantity."

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wolfpack823 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2010, 08:53:28 AM »

This is a nice one, Wolf.

~~

AN OLD WOMAN found an empty jar which had lately been full of
prime old wine and which still retained the fragrant smell of its
former contents. She greedily placed it several times to her
nose, and drawing it backwards and forwards said, "O most
delicious! How nice must the Wine itself have been, when it
leaves behind in the very vessel which contained it so sweet a
perfume!"

The Moral: The memory of a good deed lives.

Yours, nice too..

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2010, 09:45:35 AM »

The Laborer and the Snake

A SNAKE, having made his hole close to the porch of a cottage,
inflicted a mortal bite on the Cottager's infant son. Grieving
over his loss, the Father resolved to kill the Snake. The next
day, when it came out of its hole for food, he took up his axe,
but by swinging too hastily, missed its head and cut off only the
end of its tail. After some time the Cottager, afraid that the
Snake would bite him also, endeavored to make peace, and placed
some bread and salt in the hole. The Snake, slightly hissing,
said: "There can henceforth be no peace between us; for whenever
I see you I shall remember the loss of my tail, and whenever you
see me you will be thinking of the death of your son."

No one truly forgets injuries in the presence of him
who caused the injury.

It is but proper for the Farmer to suffer the consequences of his failure. He failed because he was being too emotional in carrying out his punitive action. Which is perhaps why, as the proverb goes, "revenge is a dish best served cold".

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wolfpack823 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2010, 09:57:02 AM »

It is but proper for the Farmer to suffer the consequences of his failure. He failed because he was being too emotional in carrying out his punitive action. Which is perhaps why, as the proverb goes, "revenge is a dish best served cold".

"revenge is a dish best served cold".
You think so....maybe. Well, it makes sense, buying time time to carry a revenge shall enable proper planning to take place and of course to calm down emotions. Successful revenge should be devoid of emotions...

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #8 on:** May 31, 2010, 10:04:31 AM »

"revenge is a dish best served cold".
You think so....maybe. Well, it makes sense, buying time time to carry a revenge shall enable proper planning to take place and of course to calm down emotions. Successful revenge should be devoid of emotions...

Gi-quote ni sa Kill Bill di ba, Ms. Wolf? Revenge is sweet, they say.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #9 on:** May 31, 2010, 10:12:45 AM »

"revenge is a dish best served cold".
You think so....maybe. Well, it makes sense, buying time time to carry a revenge shall enable proper planning to take place and of course to calm down emotions. Successful revenge should be devoid of emotions...

For me, even if a person does me ill, I'd rather have no revenge on him/her. Leave it with them.

There is an excerpt from The "Our Father Prayer" that I do like and try to fulfill:

"And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen."

Kini mai guapo nga mensahe.

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wolfpack823 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 31, 2010, 10:21:57 AM »

Gi-quote ni sa Kill Bill di ba, Ms. Wolf? Revenge is sweet, they say.

I googled Kill Bill and I found what you said. However, I read this one: "The difference between revenge and justice is a subtle one." "In many people's minds, they are synonymous. When people say, 'I want justice,' often what they are really saying is, I want revenge.

Does it necessarily explain that, the reason why justice is always delayed if not denied is because synonymously it is evil to carry revenge. The law of nature plays in the midst.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #11 on:** May 31, 2010, 10:59:23 AM »

I googled Kill Bill and I found what you said. However, I read this one: "The difference between revenge and justice is a subtle one." "In many people's minds, they are synonymous. When people say, 'I want justice,' often what they are really saying is, I want revenge.

Does it necessarily explain that, the reason why justice is always delayed if not denied is because synonymously it is evil to carry revenge. The law of nature plays in the midst.

You bring up a good point about the notion of evil and revenge. Then again good does not rejoice in evil or the fall of another, good is the antithesis of that. (by this premise, revenge is an act of evil)

You do bring up a good point, i reiterate. Something for all of us to ponder upon.

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #12 on:** May 31, 2010, 06:13:02 PM »

I googled Kill Bill and I found what you said. However, I read this one: "The difference between revenge and justice is a subtle one." "In many people's minds, they are synonymous. When people say, 'I want justice,' often what they are really saying is, I want revenge.

Does it necessarily explain that, the reason why justice is always delayed if not denied is because synonymously it is evil to carry revenge. The law of nature plays in the midst.

Evidently, revenge and justice are far from being synonymous, not even when revenge is used as a teaching method.

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statesville · « **Reply #13 on:** June 05, 2010, 08:36:07 AM »

Hala padayon kita sa fables;

The Lion and the Boar

A LION and a Boar, who were fighting for water at a pool, saw some
vultures hovering significantly above them.
"Let us make up our quarrel," said the Boar,
"or these fellows will get one of us, sure."

"I should not so much mind that," replied the Lion,
"if they would get the right one. However,
I am willing to stop fighting, and then perhaps I can grab a vulture.
I like chicken better than pork, anyhow."

moral lesson: stop bickering, eat all you can

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #14 on:** June 05, 2010, 08:47:28 AM »

Hala padayon kita sa fables;

The Lion and the Boar

A LION and a Boar, who were fighting for water at a pool, saw some
vultures hovering significantly above them.
"Let us make up our quarrel," said the Boar,
"or these fellows will get one of us, sure."

"I should not so much mind that," replied the Lion,
"if they would get the right one. However,
I am willing to stop fighting, and then perhaps I can grab a vulture.
I like chicken better than pork, anyhow."

moral lesson: stop bickering, eat all you can

He he, if the lion can't grab a vulture, balikan na lang niya ang baboy-ihalas ug magmantinir na lang siyag pork...

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #15 on:** June 05, 2010, 05:43:01 PM »

The Frogs Desiring a King

The Frogs were living as happy as could be in a marshy swamp that just suited them. They went splashing about, caring for nobody and nobody troubled them.

But some of the frogs thought that this was not right, that they should have a king and a proper constitution, so they sent up a petition to Zeus to give them what they wanted.

"Mighty Zeus," they cried, "send unto us a king that will rule over us and keep us in order."

Zeus laughed at their croaking and threw down into the swamp a huge Log.

The Frogs were frightened out of their lives by the commotion made in their midst, and all rushed to the bank to look at the horrible monster. But after a time, seeing that it did not move, one or two of the boldest of them ventured out towards the Log, and even dared to touch it. Still it did not move.

Then the greatest hero of the Frogs jumped upon the Log and commenced dancing up and down upon it; thereupon all the Frogs came and did the same, and for some time the Frogs went about their business every day without taking the slightest notice of their new King Log lying in their midst.

But this did not suit them, so they sent another petition to Zeus, and said to him,

"We want a real king; one that will really rule over us."

Now this made Zeus angry, so he sent them a big Stork that soon set to work gobbling them all up. Then the Frogs repented, but it was too late.

Moral lesson: Better no rule than cruel rule.

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wolfpack823 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 05, 2010, 06:49:58 PM »

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

There once was a boy who kept sheep not far from the village. He would often become bored and to amuse himself he would call out,

"Wolf! Wolf," although there was no wolf about.

The villagers would stop what they were doing and run to save the sheep from the wolf's jaw. Once they arrived at the pasture, the boy just laughed. The naughty boy played this joke over and over until the villagers tired of him.

One day while the boy was watching the sheep, a wolf did come into the fold. The boy cried and cried,

"Wolf! Wolf!"

No one came. The wolf had a feast of sheep that day.

Lesson:

No one will believe a habitual liar even when he is telling the truth.

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windgate · « **Reply #17 on:** June 05, 2010, 07:48:50 PM »

The Frogs Desiring a King

The Frogs were living as happy as could be in a marshy swamp that just suited them. They went splashing about, caring for nobody and nobody troubled them.

But some of the frogs thought that this was not right, that they should have a king and a proper constitution, so they sent up a petition to Zeus to give them what they wanted.

"Mighty Zeus," they cried, "send unto us a king that will rule over us and keep us in order."

Zeus laughed at their croaking and threw down into the swamp a huge Log.

The Frogs were frightened out of their lives by the commotion made in their midst, and all rushed to the bank to look at the horrible monster. But after a time, seeing that it did not move, one or two of the boldest of them ventured out towards the Log, and even dared to touch it. Still it did not move.

Then the greatest hero of the Frogs jumped upon the Log and commenced dancing up and down upon it; thereupon all the Frogs came and did the same, and for some time the Frogs went about their business every day without taking the slightest notice of their new King Log lying in their midst.

But this did not suit them, so they sent another petition to Zeus, and said to him,

"We want a real king; one that will really rule over us."

Now this made Zeus angry, so he sent them a big Stork that soon set to work gobbling them all up. Then the Frogs repented, but it was too late.

Moral lesson: Better no rule than cruel rule.

sukol jud bahala na....

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #18 on:** June 05, 2010, 07:55:25 PM »

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

There once was a boy who kept sheep not far from the village. He would often become bored and to amuse himself he would call out,

"Wolf! Wolf," although there was no wolf about.

The villagers would stop what they were doing and run to save the sheep from the wolf's jaw. Once they arrived at the pasture, the boy just laughed. The naughty boy played this joke over and over until the villagers tired of him.

One day while the boy was watching the sheep, a wolf did come into the fold. The boy cried and cried,

"Wolf! Wolf!"

No one came. The wolf had a feast of sheep that day.

Lesson:

No one will believe a habitual liar even when he is telling the truth.

I like this one.

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wolfpack823 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 05, 2010, 08:15:17 PM »

I like this one.

Thanks Lorenz (just cute to call you that way). That is the magic of TM, we are having fun while educating ourselves, and building rapport with Boholanos like one big family.

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #20 on:** June 05, 2010, 08:16:19 PM »

sukol jud bahala na....

Bwahaha! Kanay baki! Persevere!

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wolfpack823 · « **Reply #21 on:** June 05, 2010, 08:19:42 PM »

Bwahaha! Kanay baki! Persevere!

Arrgghghghh.. there is always a better and lesser creature. That is the law of nature (revised Desiderata version)...POBRENG BAKI!!!!!

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #22 on:** June 05, 2010, 08:30:13 PM »

Cute pud ni nga version...

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #23 on:** June 05, 2010, 08:32:19 PM »

Arrgghghghh.. there is always a better and lesser creature. That is the law of nature (revised Desiderata version)...POBRENG BAKI!!!!!

Pobreng stork baya pud! (At least, in this picture.)

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wolfpack823 · « **Reply #24 on:** June 05, 2010, 08:34:49 PM »

Pobreng stork baya pud! (At least, in this picture.)

OO tama ka...misukol pod. Am impressed ha, fighting until the last breathe.

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #25 on:** June 18, 2010, 11:33:11 AM »

The Tortoise and The Hare

There once was a speedy hare who bragged about how fast he could run. Tired of hearing him boast, Slow and Steady, the tortoise, challenged him to a race. All the animals in the forest gathered to watch.

Hare ran down the road for a while and then and paused to rest. He looked back at Slow and Steady and cried out, "How do you expect to win this race when you are walking along at your slow, slow pace?"

Hare stretched himself out alongside the road and fell asleep, thinking, "There is plenty of time to relax."

Slow and Steady walked and walked. He never, ever stopped until he came to the finish line.

The animals who were watching cheered so loudly for Tortoise, they woke up Hare.

Hare stretched and yawned and began to run again, but it was too late. Tortoise was over the line.

After that, Hare always reminded himself, "Don't brag about your lightning pace, for Slow and Steady won the race!"

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #26 on:** June 18, 2010, 11:36:07 AM »

He he...

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #27 on:** June 20, 2010, 03:24:46 PM »

The Vain Jackdaw

Jupiter announced that he intended to appoint a king over the birds, and named a day on which they were to appear before his throne, when he would select the most beautiful of them all to be their ruler. Wishing to look their best on the occasion they repaired to the banks of a stream, where they busied themselves in washing and preening their feathers. The Jackdaw was there along with the rest, and realized that, with his ugly plumage, he would have no chance of being chosen as he was: so he waited till they were all gone, and then picked up the most gaudy of the feathers they had dropped, and fastened them about his own body, with the result that he looked gayer than any of them. When the appointed day came, the birds assembled before Jupiter's throne. After passing them in review, he was about to make the Jackdaw king, when all the rest set upon the king-select, stripped him of his borrowed plumes, and exposed him for the Jackdaw that he was.

Moral lessons:

"It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds."

"Pretenders will be exposed in the end."

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wolfpack823 · « **Reply #28 on:** June 20, 2010, 06:31:29 PM »

The Vain Jackdaw

Jupiter announced that he intended to appoint a king over the birds, and named a day on which they were to appear before his throne, when he would select the most beautiful of them all to be their ruler. Wishing to look their best on the occasion they repaired to the banks of a stream, where they busied themselves in washing and preening their feathers. The Jackdaw was there along with the rest, and realized that, with his ugly plumage, he would have no chance of being chosen as he was: so he waited till they were all gone, and then picked up the most gaudy of the feathers they had dropped, and fastened them about his own body, with the result that he looked gayer than any of them. When the appointed day came, the birds assembled before Jupiter's throne. After passing them in review, he was about to make the Jackdaw king, when all the rest set upon the king-select, stripped him of his borrowed plumes, and exposed him for the Jackdaw that he was.

Moral lessons:

"It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds."

"Pretenders will be exposed in the end."

Very Nice

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #29 on:** June 20, 2010, 06:51:53 PM »

Very Nice

Thanks. Aesop's fables encapsulate human foibles and follies so succinctly that one can't help but go back to them time and again...

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wolfpack823 · « **Reply #30 on:** June 20, 2010, 07:11:24 PM »

Thanks. Aesop's fables encapsulate human foibles and follies so succinctly that one can't help but go back to them time and again...

Absolutely. Until now I still remember stories like Juan Tamad, Ang Pagong at Matching etc which to me are similarly plotted with Aesop. Aesop's fables, remind us of simple yet basic principles in human existence.

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #31 on:** July 15, 2010, 01:28:07 PM »

Absolutely. Until now I still remember stories like Juan Tamad, Ang Pagong at Matching etc which to me are similarly plotted with Aesop. Aesop's fables, remind us of simple yet basic principles in human existence.

Yes, the short, short stories really hit the nail on the head.

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #32 on:** July 15, 2010, 01:32:14 PM »

A Goat was straying in a vineyard, and began to browse on the tender shoots of a Vine which bore several fine bunches of grapes. "What have I done to you," said the Vine, "that you should harm me thus? Isn't there grass enough for you to feed on? All the same, even if you eat up every leaf I have, and leave me quite bare, I shall produce wine enough to pour over you when you are led to the altar to be sacrificed."

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taga tigbao · « **Reply #33 on:** July 22, 2010, 04:31:09 PM »

The Crow and the Pitcher

A CROW perishing with thirst saw a pitcher, and hoping to find water, flew to it with delight. When he reached it, he discovered to his grief that it contained so little water that he could not possibly get at it. He tried everything he could think of to reach the water, but all his efforts were in vain. At last he collected as many stones as he could carry and dropped them one by one with his beak into the pitcher, until he brought the
water within his reach and thus saved his life.

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #34 on:** August 19, 2010, 11:45:54 AM »

The Crow and the Pitcher

A CROW perishing with thirst saw a pitcher, and hoping to find water, flew to it with delight. When he reached it, he discovered to his grief that it contained so little water that he could not possibly get at it. He tried everything he could think of to reach the water, but all his efforts were in vain. At last he collected as many stones as he could carry and dropped them one by one with his beak into the pitcher, until he brought the
water within his reach and thus saved his life.

Wa pa man guy straw adtong panahona...

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #35 on:** August 19, 2010, 11:50:10 AM »

A great conflict was about to come off between the Birds and the Beasts. When the two armies were collected together the Bat hesitated which to join. The Birds that passed his perch said: "Come with us"; but he said: "I am a Beast." Later on, some Beasts who were passing underneath him looked up and said: "Come with us"; but he said: "I am a Bird." Luckily at the last moment peace was made, and no battle took place, so the Bat came to the Birds and wished to join in the rejoicings, but they all turned against him and he had to fly away. He then went to the Beasts, but soon had to beat a retreat, or else they would have torn him to pieces. "Ah," said the Bat, "I see now,

"He that is neither one thing nor the other has no friends."

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