Section 55
The Farmer and Fortune explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Farmer was ploughing one day on his farm when he turned up a pot of golden coins with his plough. He was overjoyed at his discovery, and from that time forth made an offering daily at the shrine of the Goddess of the Earth. Fortune was displeased at this, and came to him and said, "My man,...
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Public-domain original
A Farmer was ploughing one day on his farm when he turned up a pot of
golden coins with his plough. He was overjoyed at his discovery, and
from that time forth made an offering daily at the shrine of the
Goddess of the Earth. Fortune was displeased at this, and came to him
and said, "My man, why do you give Earth the credit for the gift which
I bestowed upon you? You never thought of thanking me for your good
luck; but should you be unlucky enough to lose what you have gained
I know very well that I, Fortune, should then come in for all the
blame."
Show gratitude where gratitude is due.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A farmer thanks Earth for treasure, but Fortune says she would be blamed if he lost it.
Why this scene matters
This fable teaches that people often misplace thanks and blame.
Characters in this scene
- Farmer: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
- Fortune: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
A farmer finds gold and thanks the earth. Fortune appears and reminds him that good luck also deserves credit.