Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Farmer and Fortune explained
A farmer discovers a pot of gold while ploughing and, overjoyed, begins making daily offerings to the Goddess of the Earth.
What happens
A farmer discovers a pot of gold while ploughing and, overjoyed, begins making daily offerings to the Goddess of the Earth. Fortune appears and rebukes him for thanking the Earth instead of Fortune, who gave him the gift. Fortune warns that if he loses the gold, he will surely blame her. The fable teaches that gratitude should be given where it is truly due.
Themes in this chapter
Wisdom and Foolishness
The farmer's foolishness lies in misattributing his good fortune, while Fortune's rebuke highlights the wisdom of recognizing the true source of blessings.
Justice and Consequence
Fortune's warning implies a just consequence: misplaced gratitude may lead to future loss and blame.
Characters to notice
- The Farmer
Discovers a pot of gold and mistakenly thanks the Goddess of the Earth instead of Fortune.
- Fortune
Appears to the farmer to correct his misplaced gratitude and warns of future blame.
Key passages
“Show gratitude where gratitude is due.”
Always thank the right person or force for the good things you receive.
The moral of the fable, emphasizing proper acknowledgment.
“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.”
You didn't thank me when you got lucky, but I'm sure you'll blame me if you lose it.
Fortune's rebuke to the farmer, highlighting human tendency to misplace credit and blame.