The Olive-Tree and The Fig-Tree

The proud Olive-Tree mocks the Fig-Tree for losing its leaves during winter, but a snowstorm breaks the Olive-Tree while the Fig-Tree remains unharmed.

Once upon a time, there were two trees: an Olive Tree and a Fig Tree. The Olive Tree was very proud because it stayed green all year, while the Fig Tree lost its leaves every winter.

One day, the Olive Tree said to the Fig Tree, "Look at me, I’m always green and covered with leaves. But you lose your leaves every year. You look quite funny!" The Fig Tree did not respond and stayed quiet.

Then, one winter, a big snowstorm came. Snow started to fall, covering everything in white. The Olive Tree, with its many leaves, caught a lot of snow on its branches. The snow was very heavy, and soon the branches began to break and snap. In the end, the Olive Tree had broken branches and lost all its beauty. It did not survive.

Meanwhile, the snow fell right through the bare branches of the Fig Tree and hit the ground. The Fig Tree was not harmed at all. It stood tall and strong, waiting for spring to come and bring its leaves back.

A bare fig tree standing unharmed beside a snapped, snow-covered olive tree
Text Version
Levels A1B1C1

Audio available for B1 version

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Word Finder
  1. Proud

    Feeling very happy about achievements or appearance.
  2. Covered

    Having something spread over or on top.
  3. Quiet

    Making very little or no noise.
  4. Snowstorm

    A heavy fall of snow with strong winds.
  5. Branches

    Parts of a tree that grow out from the trunk.
  6. Snap

    To break suddenly with a sharp sound.
  7. Survive

    To continue to live or exist, especially after difficulty.
  8. Bare

    Not covered by leaves or other things.
  9. Harmed

    Physically injured or damaged.
  10. Waiting

    Staying in one place until something happens.
Understanding Questions
  1. Why was the Olive Tree proud at the beginning of the story?
  2. How did the Fig Tree react when the Olive Tree made fun of it?
  3. What happened to the Olive Tree during the snowstorm?
  4. Why did the Fig Tree not get harmed by the snow?
  5. What did the Fig Tree look forward to after the snowstorm?
Reflection Questions
  1. Why do you think the Olive-Tree was proud of being green all year round?
  2. How did the Fig-Tree react when the Olive-Tree made fun of it for losing its leaves?
  3. Why do you think the Olive-Tree couldn't survive the snowstorm, but the Fig-Tree could?
  4. What does this story teach us about making fun of others for being different?
  5. Can you think of a way we can apply the lesson from this story in our own lives?
Fable Quotes

The humble tree bows to the wind and stands tall in the storm.

Pride stands tall before the fall.

Resilience is bending with the wind, yet never breaking.

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