Section 106
Hercules and the Waggoner explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A was driving his team along a muddy lane with a full load behind them, when the wheels of his waggon sank so deep in the mire that no efforts of his horses could move them. As he stood there, looking helplessly on, and calling loudly at intervals upon for istance, the god himself appeared, and...
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Public-domain original
A was driving his team along a muddy lane with a full load
behind them, when the wheels of his waggon sank so deep in the mire
that no efforts of his horses could move them. As he stood there,
looking helplessly on, and calling loudly at intervals upon
for istance, the god himself appeared, and said to him, "Put your
shoulder to the wheel, man, and goad on your horses, and then you may
call on Hercules to assist you. If you won't lift a finger to help
yourself, you can't expect Hercules or any one else to come to your
aid."
Heaven helps those who help themselves.
Public-domain original text shown for study context. Underlined terms can be tapped for simple reader notes.
What happens here
A stuck driver prays to Hercules but is told to push too.
Why this scene matters
This fable teaches that help often requires effort from the person asking for it.
Characters in this scene
- Hercules: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
- the Waggoner: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
A wagon is stuck in mud. The driver calls on Hercules, who tells him to put his own shoulder to the wheel.