Aesop

The Walnut-Tree

Summary

This short narrative illustrates a moral lesson about ingratitude and exploitation. A Walnut Tree, which generously provides fruit to those passing by, finds itself mistreated as people break its branches to gather nuts. The tree laments its situation, highlighting the painful reality that those who benefit from its offerings repay it with harm. The story serves as a metaphor for how people can sometimes take advantage of generosity without showing appreciation or consideration for the source of their benefits. It encourages readers to reflect on the importance of gratitude and respectful conduct towards those who assist or provide for others.

Read Online

A Walnut Tree standing by the roadside bore an abundant crop of fruit. For the sake of the nuts, the passers-by broke its branches with stones and sticks. The Walnut-Tree piteously exclaimed, “O wretched me! that those whom I cheer with my fruit should repay me with these painful requitals!”

Related tags
, , , , , , , , , ,