A farmer learns that help only comes to those who are willing to help themselves.
When a farmer's wagon gets stuck in the mud, he calls upon Hercules for aid. However, the god of strength teaches him a valuable lesson: we must put our own shoulder to the wheel before expecting help from others.
A Farmer was driving his heavy wagon along a miry country road after a torrential rain. The path was a sea of thick, sucking mud. His sturdy horses strained against their harnesses, heads low, as they tried to pull the massive load through the deep quagmire.
Suddenly, the wagon jerked and came to a total standstill. One of the large wooden wheels had sunk deep into a treacherous rut, right up to the hub. The Farmer climbed down from his seat, but instead of trying to help, he just stood there, staring at the stuck wheel in despair.
Without making the slightest effort to free the wagon, the Farmer began to curse his terrible luck. He looked up at the stormy sky and began to call loudly on Hercules, the god of strength, begging him to come down from the heavens and pull the wagon out of the mud for him.
To the Farmer's utter surprise, Hercules himself appeared in a flash of light. But the god didn't reach for the wagon. Instead, he looked at the lazy man and said: "Put your shoulder to the wheel, man, and urge on your horses! Do you think you can move this load by simply whining about it? Hercules will not help unless you make some effort to help yourself!"
Ashamed, the Farmer finally put his shoulder to the muddy wheel and gave a great shout to his horses. Together, they gave a mighty heave. To his delight, the wagon moved readily out of the rut. Soon, the Farmer was riding along in great content, having learned that self-help is the best help of all.
Introduction
Learn the timeless lesson of self-reliance in this classic Æsop's fable, "Hercules and the Wagoner." This story teaches children that success comes to those who take action and help themselves before asking for divine intervention.
About Aesop
Aesop was a legendary Greek fabulist and storyteller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as Aesop's Fables.
The Lesson of Self-Reliance
The story concludes with the famous proverb: "Heaven helps those who help themselves." It reminds us that we must take the first step and put in the effort to change our circumstances.
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Hercules & the Wagoner
Learn the timeless lesson of self-reliance in this classic Æsop's fable, "Hercules and the Wagoner." This story teaches children that success comes to those who take action and help themselves before asking for divine intervention.
Ancient Greek Origins
This fable is part of the collection attributed to Aesop, a storyteller believed to have lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE.
About Aesop
Aesop was a legendary Greek fabulist and storyteller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as Aesop's Fables.
The Lesson of Self-Reliance
The story concludes with the famous proverb: "Heaven helps those who help themselves." It reminds us that we must take the first step and put in the effort to change our circumstances.
Initiative
Hard work
Self-reliance
Perseverance
Fun Activities for Kids
Engage with the story through these educational activities.
🎨Draw a picture of Hercules helping the farmer.
💬Discuss a time when you had to work hard to solve a problem.
✨Acting out the dialogue between the Farmer and Hercules.
📝Writing a modern version of the story with a car and a mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓What is the moral of Hercules and the Wagoner?
The moral is that self-help is the best help, often expressed as 'Heaven helps those who help themselves.'
❓Who wrote this story?
It is attributed to Aesop, the ancient Greek storyteller.
❓Why didn't Hercules help at first?
Because the farmer wasn't making any effort to help himself; he was just complaining.
