Aesop | Greece
The Bees and Wasps, and The Hornet
Bees and Wasps fought over honey, but the wise Hornet settled the dispute, testing their abilities and declaring Bees as the rightful owners.
Once upon a time in a thick forest, there was a golden pool of honey hidden inside a tree. The Wasps found it first and said the honey was theirs because they found it. But the Bees said the honey belonged to them. They argued loudly about who owned the honey.
To avoid a fight, they asked the Hornet to help. The Hornet was known for being wise and fair.
At the trial, many insects said they saw yellow and black striped insects near the tree. The Wasps quickly said those were them, but the Hornet was still not sure. He asked for more time to decide and set another trial for six weeks later.
At the next trial, more witnesses came. Before an Ant could speak, an old Bee spoke up.
"Judge," the Bee said, "we need to decide quickly, or the honey will spoil. I suggest a challenge: let both Bees and Wasps try to make a honeycomb. This will show who the real owners are."
The Wasps did not like this idea and made a lot of noise. But the Hornet understood. He knew Wasps could not make honeycombs.
"It is clear," the Judge said, "who can make honeycombs and who cannot. The honey belongs to the Bees."
The Bees were happy and took their honey, while the sad Wasps left.
