The Ant and the Grasshopper
A grasshopper sings all summer while ants store food. Winter comes; the grasshopper begs and is turned away (or pitied in kinder versions). Lesson: plan and work for future needs.
Story beats
- 1) Ants labor; grasshopper plays music.
- 2) Winter arrives; grasshopper starves, asks ants for food.
- 3) Ants refuse (or share with admonition), highlighting consequences of idleness.
Context & symbolism
The fable promotes prudence and diligence. Variants debate charity vs. strict justice. Music vs. work tension frames social values of preparation.
Motifs
- Summer play vs. winter need
- Food storage as foresight
- Begging at doorstep
Use it in play
- Consequences for ignoring warnings about seasonal prep.
- Debate charity: aid a foolish NPC or hold them accountable.
- Music-loving ally learns to contribute or earn their keep.