# The Rivers and the Sea explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## What happens

The Rivers complain to the Sea that their fresh waters become salty upon mingling, but the Sea retorts that they can avoid this by staying away.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wisdom and Foolishness

The Sea's blunt reply suggests that the Rivers' complaint is foolish, as the solution is simple: avoid the cause of the problem.

## Key lines

> When we come to you, we are sweet and drinkable: but when once we have mingled with you, our waters become as briny and unpalatable as your own.

The Rivers argue that their fresh water turns salty only after joining the Sea.

_This captures the central complaint of the Rivers._

> Keep away from me and you’ll remain sweet.

The Sea advises the Rivers to stay apart if they wish to stay fresh.

_The Sea's terse response underscores the moral of avoiding harmful associations._

## Links

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