Greed & Consequences
Read 140 moral stories about greed and its consequences — cautionary tales from India, Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond. These fables show what happens when characters let desire, avarice, and selfishness guide their actions. From golden geese to magic lamps, these folk tales about greed carry powerful lessons about contentment, generosity, and knowing when enough is enough.
Hitopadesha
All Ages
The Two Brothers
The Two Brothers: Once upon a time there lived a King who had two young sons; they were good boys, and sat in school learning all that kings’ sons ought to
Indian Folk Tales
All Ages
Sir Buzz
Sir Buzz: Once upon a time a soldier died, leaving a widow and one son. They were dreadfully poor, and at last matters became so bad that they had nothing left
Indian Folk Tales
All Ages
The Bears Bad Bargain
The Bears Bad Bargain: In a bustling town in ancient India, A bear struck a deal with a farmer but learned that greed leads to loss. This tale, beloved across
Indian Folk Tales
All Ages
The Beetle And The Silken Thread
The Beetle And The Silken Thread: In a bustling town in ancient India, A tiny beetle accomplished what seemed impossible by following a silken thread. The
Indian Folk Tales
All Ages
The Boy Who Had A Moon On His Forehead And A Sun On His Chin
The Boy Who Had A Moon On His Forehead And A Sun On His Chin: In the magnificent city of Pataliputra, during the golden age of the Mauryan Empire, there lived
Indian Folk Tales
All Ages
The Brahma ‘s Priest Who Became An Amildar
The Brahma 's Priest Who Became An Amildar: In a bustling town in ancient India, A poor Brahmin priest, tired of performing rituals for meager donations
Indian Folk Tales
All Ages
Good Luck to the Lucky One
Good Luck to the Lucky One: In a certain town there lived a wealthy Brâhmiṇ. He wished to build a house - pretty large and spacious - as became his riches. The
Indian Folk Tales
All Ages
The Royal Thief-Catcher
The Royal Thief-Catcher: In a bustling town in ancient India, A king appointed a clever man to catch thieves, but the methods were unconventional. This tale
Indian Folk Tales
All Ages
The Bronze Ring
The Bronze Ring: There was once a poor young man who lived with his aged mother in a small hut at the edge of a great forest. Despite their poverty, they were
Indian Folk Tales
All Ages
A Lac of Rupees for a Piece of Advice
A Lac of Rupees for a Piece of Advice: In a bustling town in ancient India, A merchant paid an enormous sum for a single piece of advice that saved his life.
Aesop's Fables
Ages 3-5
The Wonderful Ring
The Wonderful Ring: Once upon a time there lived a King who had two sons, and when he died he left them all his treasures; but the younger brother began to
Aesop's Fables
Ages 3-5
The Son Of Seven Mothers
The Son Of Seven Mothers: Once upon a time there lived a King who had seven wives, but no children. This was a great grief to him, especially when he Greed and