Section 257
Hercules and Plutus explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
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When was received among the gods and was entertained at a banquet by , he responded courteously to the greetings of all with the exception of , the god of wealth. When Plutus approached him, he cast his eyes upon the ground, and turned away and pretended...
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Public-domain original
When was received among the gods and was entertained at a
banquet by , he responded courteously to the greetings of
all with the exception of , the god of wealth. When Plutus
approached him, he cast his eyes upon the ground, and turned away and
pretended not to see him. Jupiter was surprised at this conduct on his
part, and asked why, after having been so cordial with all the other
gods, he had behaved like that to Plutus. "Sire," said Hercules, "I
do not like Plutus, and I will tell you why. When we were on earth
together I always noticed that he was to be found in the company of
scoundrels."
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 Plutus 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.
- Plutus: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
Simple story version
When Hercules was received among the gods and was entertained at a banquet by Jupiter, he responded courteously to the greetings of all with the exception of Plutus, the god of wealth. When Plutus approached him, he cast his eyes upon the ground, and turned away and pretended not to see him.