The Ant and the Grasshopper: A Greek Fable of Perseverance
An immersive retelling of the classic Greek fable, celebrating perseverance, foresight, and the rewards of diligent effort.
Top Moral Stories on GatherTales
Moral stories convey ethical lessons and values. They explore themes of right and wrong, good and evil, and the consequences of choices. These stories can inspire reflection and encourage readers to consider their own values and actions.
The Lion and the Mouse: A Tale of Unexpected Help
A timeless ancient Greek fable illustrating how even the smallest creatures can make powerful differences
The Trickster Tortoise and the Rainmaker
How a cunning tortoise tried to seize the skies, only to learn that nature has its own justice
The Golden Goblin and the Scholar
A humble scholar’s journey in ancient China reveals that wisdom outweighs riches
The Tell-Tale Heart: Shadows of Guilt in a Small Town
An atmospheric journey into the echoes of conscience and haunting secrets
Intellectual Girl: A Folktale of Wit and Courage from India
A young maiden in ancient India uses quick wit and a fearless heart to outsmart every challenge and restore justice to her village.
Mr. Spider, His Family, and the Dead Elephant: Anansi’s Clever Trick
In a Ghanaian forest, Anansi cleverly outwits the mighty elephant and teaches his family the art of wisdom and resourcefulness.
A True Friend: An Indian Folktale of Loyalty
Two friends embark on a journey that tests their loyalty against deceit and danger under the watchful gaze of fate.
The Roof of Leaves: A Tale of Anger and Forgiveness from the Congo
When conflict brews beneath the green canopy, only forgiveness can calm the storm.
Arachne the Weaver: Warning Against Hubris
When mortal skill challenged goddessly pride, a legendary tapestry wove Arachne’s fate into legend.
Death and the Gardener: An Iraqi Parable of Inevitable Fate
In medieval Iraq, a humble gardener learns that death cannot be outrun, only embraced.
Land Where No One Ever Dies: An Italian Folk Tale of Mortality
A poetic exploration of mortality and the human heart in a timeless Italian land where death is but a distant whisper.
The Rat and a Crab
A tale of trust frayed by greed and redeemed by selflessness.
The Conceited Cow: An Indian Folktale of Modesty and Wisdom
A boastful cow learns humility after encountering more skilled creatures, teaching the value of modesty.
The Monster Will Sleep in Your Bed
A spooky yet playful Brazilian folktale of the Bicho Papão that encourages children to go to sleep early.
Owl of the Magic Orange Tree
A young owl learns her true beauty beneath the enchanted orange blossoms
The Cruel Sister: A Tale of Sibling Rivalry in the English Countryside
A gripping tale of jealousy and forgiveness between two sisters beneath the hedgerows
The Weeping Lass at the Crossroads: A Tale of Grief and Grace
A young woman's vigil at a haunted crossroads tests the bounds of mourning.
Wounded Selkie
A tale of vengeance and grace on the wild coasts of Scotland
Death in the Nut: A Parable of Mortality
A sombre tale from the British countryside that reminds us of life’s fleeting nature.
King Erysichthon: The Price of Pride
A tragic myth of pride, divine retribution, and the unyielding consequences of hubris.
Mr Fox: The Art of Deception and Caution
An evocative tale of charm, deceit, and the hidden truths behind pleasing facades.
The Clever Wife: A Tale of Wit and Love in the Kyrgyz Highlands
A wise woman’s wit saves her marriage and uplifts her community in ancient Kyrgyzstan.
Small Favors: The Hidden Cost of Kindness
In a quiet American town, a series of innocent favors unearth a sinister bargain with unforeseen consequences.