The Oxen and The Butchers
Oxen wanted to stop butchers from taking their friends, but an old wise ox convinced them that their sacrifice was necessary for survival.
Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there was a big group of Oxen. These Oxen were very upset. Every week, some people called Butchers came and took away the biggest and strongest Oxen to get meat for their meals. This made the Oxen very sad and worried.
One day, the Oxen decided to have a meeting. They wanted to find a way to stop the Butchers from taking any more of their friends. They hoped that by doing this, they could live happily and without fear.
As they were about to put their plan into action, an old Ox stepped forward. He was very wise and had lived a long time. He asked them to stop and think about their plan.
"You need to understand," he said, "that people need our meat for their meals. If we chase away these Butchers, who know how to do their job quickly and without hurting us too much, what do you think will happen?"
The Oxen looked at him, waiting for his answer.
He continued, "New Butchers will come. But they won't know how to do their job as well. It will take longer, and it will hurt us more."
The Oxen listened to the wise old Ox. They thought about what he had said. They realized he was right. So, they decided not to go through with their plan. They continued to live their lives, knowing that their sacrifice was important for others.
Audio available for B1 version
Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there was a big group of Oxen.
These Oxen were very upset.
Every week, some people called Butchers came and took away the biggest and strongest Oxen to get meat for their meals.
This made the Oxen very sad and worried.
One day, the Oxen decided to have a meeting.
They wanted to find a way to stop the Butchers from taking any more of their friends.
They hoped that by doing this, they could live happily and without fear.
As they were about to put their plan into action, an old Ox stepped forward.
He was very wise and had lived a long time.
He asked them to stop and think about their plan.
"You need to understand," he said, "that people need our meat for their meals.
If we chase away these Butchers, who know how to do their job quickly and without hurting us too much, what do you think will happen?"
The Oxen looked at him, waiting for his answer.
He continued, "New Butchers will come.
But they won't know how to do their job as well.
It will take longer, and it will hurt us more."
The Oxen listened to the wise old Ox.
They thought about what he had said.
They realized he was right.
So, they decided not to go through with their plan.
They continued to live their lives, knowing that their sacrifice was important for others.
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Word Finder
Oxen
Plural of ox, a large working animal.Butchers
People who cut animals for meat.Sacrifice
Giving up something important for others.Upset
Feeling sad or worried about something.Plan
A detailed idea about what to do.Fear
A strong feeling of being scared or worried.Meeting
A group of people discussing ideas or plans.Quickly
Happening very fast or in little time.Realized
To suddenly understand or become aware of something.Continue
To keep doing something without stopping.
Understanding Questions
- Why were the Oxen upset at the beginning of the story?
- What did the Oxen decide to do to stop the Butchers from taking them?
- What advice did the old Ox give to the group during the meeting?
- Why did the old Ox believe new Butchers would be worse for the Oxen?
- What decision did the Oxen make at the end of the story, and why?
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think the Oxen wanted to chase away the Butchers at first?
- What made the Oxen change their minds about their initial plan?
- Can you think of a time when an older person gave you advice that changed your perspective?
- What does this story teach us about understanding our roles and responsibilities?
- How can we use the lesson from this story to appreciate the wisdom of others and the necessity of certain sacrifices in our lives?
Fable Quotes
Responsibility is recognizing the impact of our choices and accepting the sacrifices they may require.
Sacrifice is the selfless choice made when the greater good outweighs personal desires.
Understanding brings clarity to sacrifice, revealing the necessity of our actions for the greater good.
Just One More Fable
- Moderation
- Consequences
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- Appreciation
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- Humility
- Understanding
The Crab and his Mother
A mother crab advises her little crab to walk straight instead of sideways, but the little crab questions her, pointing out her own actions.
- Patience
- Consequences
Fighting Goats and the Jackal
A clever jackal in search of an easy meal watches two fighting goats, but his greed leads to a painful lesson.