Aesop | Greece
The Oxen and The Butchers
Oxen wanted to stop butchers from taking their friends, but an old wise ox convinced them that their sacrifice was necessary for survival.
Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there was a big group of Oxen. These Oxen were very upset. Every week, some people called Butchers came and took away the biggest and strongest Oxen to get meat for their meals. This made the Oxen very sad and worried.
One day, the Oxen decided to have a meeting. They wanted to find a way to stop the Butchers from taking any more of their friends. They hoped that by doing this, they could live happily and without fear.
As they were about to put their plan into action, an old Ox stepped forward. He was very wise and had lived a long time. He asked them to stop and think about their plan.
"You need to understand," he said, "that people need our meat for their meals. If we chase away these Butchers, who know how to do their job quickly and without hurting us too much, what do you think will happen?"
The Oxen looked at him, waiting for his answer.
He continued, "New Butchers will come. But they won't know how to do their job as well. It will take longer, and it will hurt us more."
The Oxen listened to the wise old Ox. They thought about what he had said. They realized he was right. So, they decided not to go through with their plan. They continued to live their lives, knowing that their sacrifice was important for others.
