# Hercules and the Wagoner explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## What happens

A wagoner whose wagon is stuck in the mud calls on Hercules for help. Hercules appears and tells him that he must first help himself by putting his shoulder to the wheel and urging his horses on before expecting divine aid. The moral is that heaven helps those who help themselves.

## Themes in this chapter

### Perseverance and Effort

The moral emphasizes that personal effort is necessary before expecting external help.

## Character check-ins

### Hercules

Appears to the wagoner and advises him to take action himself before seeking divine help.

### The Farmer

The wagoner who calls on Hercules but is told to first make his own effort.

## Key lines

> Put your shoulder to the wheel, man, and goad on your horses, and then you may call on Hercules to assist you.

Start pushing and urging your horses forward, and only then ask for my help.

_Hercules instructs the wagoner to take action first._

> Heaven helps those who help themselves.

The divine will assist those who make their own efforts.

_The moral of the fable._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters/hercules-and-the-wagoner
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters