The Donkey that envied the Horse
An envious farm Donkey observes the Horse's special treatment and eventual demise, learning to appreciate his safe and humble life.
Once upon a time, there was a donkey who lived on a farm. Every day, he noticed how everyone treated the horse. The horse got special meals, brushing, and lots of attention from the farmer and his family. The donkey, meanwhile, was left to work in the fields, carrying heavy loads without much care or praise.
One day, the horse was prepared for a big trip. He had a shiny saddle and beautiful reins. The donkey watched with jealousy as the horse left the farm, the farmer proudly riding him. "The horse has such a great life," thought the donkey, feeling sorry for himself.
Days passed, and the farm became worried. The horse hadn't come back. One evening, some men brought the horse home. He was no longer strong and proud. He had died in a battle. The farm was filled with sadness.
Seeing this, the donkey understood. The horse's special treatment and grand trips also came with danger and risk. He realized his own life, though simple and unappreciated, was safe and peaceful. He was grateful for his quiet, steady life on the farm and no longer jealous of the horse.
Audio available for B1 version
Once upon a time, there was a donkey who lived on a farm.
Every day, he noticed how everyone treated the horse.
The horse got special meals, brushing, and lots of attention from the farmer and his family.
The donkey, meanwhile, was left to work in the fields, carrying heavy loads without much care or praise.
One day, the horse was prepared for a big trip.
He had a shiny saddle and beautiful reins.
The donkey watched with jealousy as the horse left the farm, the farmer proudly riding him.
"The horse has such a great life," thought the donkey, feeling sorry for himself.
Days passed, and the farm became worried.
The horse hadn't come back.
One evening, some men brought the horse home.
He was no longer strong and proud.
He had died in a battle.
The farm was filled with sadness.
Seeing this, the donkey understood.
The horse's special treatment and grand trips also came with danger and risk.
He realized his own life, though simple and unappreciated, was safe and peaceful.
He was grateful for his quiet, steady life on the farm and no longer jealous of the horse.
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Word Finder
Donkey:
Animal that works on farms carrying heavy things.Attention:
Special care and focus given to someone.Jealousy:
Feeling upset because someone has something better.Praise:
Saying kind words to make someone feel good.Saddle:
Seat put on a horse for riding.Reins:
Straps used to guide or control horses.Proudly:
Feeling happy about something you have or did.Battle:
A fight between people, often very dangerous.Danger:
Something that might hurt you or cause harm.Grateful:
Feeling thankful and happy for what you have.
Understanding Questions
- What did the donkey notice about how the horse was treated on the farm?
- How did the donkey feel when the horse left for the big trip?
- What happened to the horse after he went on the trip?
- How did the people on the farm feel when the horse was brought home?
- What did the donkey understand about his life after seeing what happened to the horse?
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think the Donkey was envious of the Horse in the beginning?
- What changes happened to the Horse after his journey and how did that affect the Donkey's feelings?
- Can you think of a time when you wanted something that someone else had, but later realized you were happy with what you had?
- What does this story teach us about the risks and responsibilities that might come with privilege or special treatment?
- How can we apply the lesson from this story when we feel envious of what others have in our own lives?
Fable Quotes
Envy sees the glitter of the horse's bridle, but not the weight it carries.
Contentment is not about having the best, but making the best of what we have.
Perspective is the power to understand that every pasture has its own thorns.
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