Aesop

The Oak and the Woodcutters

Summary

This narrative centers on a Woodcutter and a Mountain Oak, exploring themes of betrayal and internal conflict. The Woodcutter cuts down the Oak, using wedges made from the Oak's own branches to split its trunk apart. While the Oak is resilient to the axe attacking its roots, it expresses sadness and grief over being dismantled by parts of itself. The story serves as a metaphor for how internal divisions or betrayals can be more painful than external challenges, making it a poignant discussion starter on themes of trust, vulnerability, and self-reflection for teachers and parents working with children.

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The Woodcutter cut down a Mountain Oak and split it in pieces, making wedges of its own branches for dividing the trunk. The Oak said with a sigh, “I do not care about the blows of the axe aimed at my roots, but I do grieve at being torn in pieces by these wedges made from my own branches.”

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