Aesop

The Huntsman and the Fisherman

Summary

This story presents a simple yet insightful narrative about a Huntsman and a Fisherman who decide to exchange their day’s catch—the Huntsman’s game and the Fisherman’s fish—out of mutual desire for each other’s goods. Initially, the exchange brings satisfaction to both parties, prompting them to make it a regular arrangement. However, a neighbor warns them that their repeated exchanges might eventually lead to a loss of excitement and appreciation for the barter, suggesting that they might come to prefer their initial catches instead. The tale highlights themes such as the dynamics of trade and the nature of contentment, illustrating how novelty and satisfaction can diminish if not tempered by moderation and appreciation for one’s own resources.

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A Huntsman, returning with his dogs from the field, fell in by chance with a Fisherman who was bringing home a basket well laden with fish. The Huntsman wished to have the fish, and their owner experienced an equal longing for the contents of the game-bag. They quickly agreed to exchange the produce of their day’s sport. Each was so well pleased with his bargain that they made for some time the same exchange day after day. Finally a neighbor said to them, “If you go on in this way, you will soon destroy by frequent use the pleasure of your exchange, and each will again wish to retain the fruits of his own sport.”

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