Two travelers find a purse full of gold but disagree on whether to share the luck—or the consequences.
When one of two traveling companions finds a purse full of gold, he refuses to share the find with his friend. However, when the law arrives to claim the 'stolen' purse, he quickly learns that those who won't share the good times cannot expect others to share the bad.
Two men were traveling in company along a dusty road. The sun was warm, and the path ahead seemed long. Suddenly, one of them spotted something glinting in the dirt. He reached down and picked up a well-filled purse, heavy and jingling with the sound of many coins.
'How lucky I am!' he exclaimed, holding the purse high with a wide grin. 'I have found a purse! Judging by its weight, it must be full of gold coins. This is the best day of my life!'
His companion looked at him and said calmly, 'Do not say "I have found a purse." Say rather "we have found a purse" and "how lucky we are." Travelers who walk together ought to share alike both the fortunes and the misfortunes of the road.'
But the man who held the gold shook his head angrily. 'No, no!' he replied. 'I was the one who saw it first. I was the one who picked it up. I found it, and I am going to keep it all for myself!'
Just as they were arguing, they heard a loud shout from behind. 'Stop, thief! Stop right there!' They looked around and saw a mob of angry people coming down the road, armed with clubs and pointing directly at them.
The man who had found the purse suddenly fell into a great panic. His face turned pale as he realized the danger. 'We are lost if they find this purse on us!' he cried out, trembling as the crowd drew closer.
His companion crossed his arms and looked at him steadily. 'No, no,' he replied. 'You would not say "we" before when there was gold to be had. So now, you must stick to your "I". Say rather, "I am lost."'
The moral of the story is that we cannot expect anyone to share our misfortunes unless we are willing to share our good fortune with them. True friends share everything—the gold and the trouble alike.
Introduction
The Travelers and the Purse is a classic Aesop fable that explores the dynamics of friendship and the ethics of sharing. In this story, two companions face a test of character when one discovers a fortune and refuses to acknowledge his friend's part in their journey together. It is a timeless lesson for children about the true meaning of partnership.
About Aesop
Aesop was a legendary Greek fabulist and storyteller. His fables are known for their simple characters—often animals or common people—and their clear moral lessons that continue to resonate with readers of all ages today.
The Moral of the Story
The moral of 'The Travelers & the Purse' is that those who are unwilling to share their good fortune with others cannot expect others to share their misfortunes. Friendship is a two-way street that requires loyalty in both good and bad times.
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The Travelers & the Purse
The Travelers and the Purse is a classic Aesop fable that explores the dynamics of friendship and the ethics of sharing. In this story, two companions face a test of character when one discovers a fortune and refuses to acknowledge his friend's part in their journey together. It is a timeless lesson for children about the true meaning of partnership.
Origin of the Story
This story is one of the many fables attributed to Aesop, a storyteller believed to have lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE. These fables were passed down through oral tradition before being recorded in various collections throughout history.
About Aesop
Aesop was a legendary Greek fabulist and storyteller. His fables are known for their simple characters—often animals or common people—and their clear moral lessons that continue to resonate with readers of all ages today.
The Moral of the Story
The moral of 'The Travelers & the Purse' is that those who are unwilling to share their good fortune with others cannot expect others to share their misfortunes. Friendship is a two-way street that requires loyalty in both good and bad times.
Honesty
Loyalty
Parity
Selflessness
Learning Activities
Engage your children with these discussion questions and activities:
🎨Ask: Why was the first man wrong to say 'I' instead of 'we'?
💬Discuss: What would you do if you found something valuable while with a friend?
✨Role-play: Act out the scene with the purse and the mob to understand both perspectives.
📝Draw: Create an illustration of the dusty road in ancient Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓What is the main lesson of The Travelers and the Purse?
The main lesson is that friendship involves sharing both the rewards and the risks of life.
❓Who wrote The Travelers and the Purse?
The story is attributed to Aesop, the famous ancient Greek storyteller.
❓Is this story suitable for toddlers?
Yes, its simple narrative and clear moral make it an excellent choice for children aged 3 and up.
