Section 253
Hercules and Minerva explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
was once travelling along a narrow road when he saw lying on the ground in front of him what appeared to be an apple, and as he passed he stamped upon it with his heel. To his astonishment, instead of being crushed it doubled in size; and, on his attacking it again an...
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Public-domain original
was once travelling along a narrow road when he saw lying on
the ground in front of him what appeared to be an apple, and as he
passed he stamped upon it with his heel. To his astonishment, instead
of being crushed it doubled in size; and, on his attacking it again
and smiting it with his club, it swelled up to an enormous size and
blocked up the whole road. Upon this he dropped his club, and stood
looking at it in amazement. Just then appeared, and said to
him, "Leave it alone, my friend; that which you see before you is the
apple of discord: if you do not meddle with it, it remains small as it
was at first, but if you resort to violence it swells into the thing
you see."
Public-domain original text shown for study context. Underlined terms can be tapped for simple reader notes.
What happens here
A short fable about Hercules and Minerva shows how choices, assumptions, or desires can lead to consequences.
Why this scene matters
This fable matters because it turns a common human habit into a short lesson about judgment and consequences.
Characters in this scene
- Hercules: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
- Minerva: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
Simple story version
In simple terms, Hercules and Minerva face a small situation that reveals a larger lesson about behavior and consequences.