The Travellers and the Plane tree – Story and Analysis

Aesop’s fables have enchanted readers for centuries with their timeless wisdom and moral lessons. Among these captivating tales, “The Travellers and the Plane Tree” stands out as a thought-provoking story that imparts a valuable lesson about hospitality and gratitude. In this article, we will explore the narrative and delve into the underlying wisdom that continues to resonate with us today. Those who love Aesop’s Fables might know the story of a few travelers who make fun of someone even though they are taking its help while doing so.

If you want to read another thought provoking tale from the Aesop Fables, you can read The Ox and the Gnat or the fox and the grapes.

The story:

Once upon a time, there were two travelers. They were walking from one town to another town. The sun was bright and it was very hot. They were very tired and could no longer walk.

“Look. A plane tree! It is so shady under it. We can go and rest under the tree.”

“Sir Plane tree, can I come and rest under you? It is very hot”, said the traveller to the tree.

“But of course” said the tree and the travellers came and sat under the tree.

After some time, the travellers looked up the tree and saw that there were no fruits.

“My dear Plane tree, don’t you have any fruits?” said the travellers to the tree

“No, I cannot make any fruits”, said the tree to the travellers and smiled widely.

“Oh Ok. So you cannot give me any food to eat” said the travellers and smirked.

After some time, the travellers looked up the tree and saw that there were no flowers.

“My dear Plane tree, don’t you have any flowers?” said the travellers to the tree

“No, I cannot make any flowers”, said the tree to the travellers and smiled widely.

“Oh Ok. So you cannot give me any flowers to smell” said the travellers and smirked.

After some time, the travellers looked up the tree and saw that the wood was very weak.

“My dear Plane tree, don’t you have any strong wood which we can use?” said the travellers to the tree

“No, my wood is weak”, said the tree to the travellers and smiled widely.

“Oh Ok. So you cannot give me anything useful. You cannot make tasty fruits not can you make good smelling flowers. Also you cannot make strong wood. You must be the most useless tree of all. And yet you smile so widely like a fool” said the travellers and laughed.

“Do not be so ungrateful. I may not produce flowers with a beautiful smell and I may not produce tasty fruit. Why, I may not produce the strong wood you so desire but but at this very moment, I am giving you shade from the sun. You are refreshed and alive only because of me” said the tree and continued to smile.

Moral of The Travellers and the Plane tree

The moral of the story “The Travellers and the Plane tree” is that all of God’s creations have a good purpose. The story imparts a valuable lesson about gratitude and the reciprocity of kindness. The fable reminds us to express gratitude for the hospitality and assistance we receive, and to reciprocate acts of kindness in our interactions with others. By applying the wisdom of this fable to our lives, we can foster gratitude, cultivate harmonious relationships, and create a culture of kindness and reciprocity. Let us draw inspiration from Aesop’s fables and embrace the virtues of gratitude and hospitality in our daily interactions.

Questions and Answers 

1. What is the moral lesson of “The Travellers and the Plane Tree”?
   • The fable teaches the importance of gratitude and the reciprocity of kindness. It reminds us to be appreciative of the help and hospitality we receive and to avoid taking things for granted.
2. How did the travellers express their gratitude to the plane tree?
   1. The travellers expressed their gratitude to the plane tree for providing shade and shelter from the sun.
3. What happened when a strong gust of wind shook the tree?
   1. The tree’s leaves began to fall upon the travellers, causing them to fear being struck by the falling foliage.
4. How did the travellers react to the falling leaves?
   1. The travellers cried out to the tree, demanding it to stop the falling leaves and protect them from harm.
5. What did the tree remind the travellers of?
   1. The tree reminded the travellers of the shade and shelter it provided them when they were in need, highlighting the reciprocity of their relationship.

Alternative ending to the story

“The Travellers and the Plane Tree” tells the story of two weary travellers seeking respite from the scorching sun. Finding a magnificent plane tree, they rejoice in its shade and take shelter beneath its branches. As they rest, they express their gratitude to the tree for its hospitality and protection.

However, when a strong gust of wind begins to shake the tree, its leaves shower down upon the travellers. Fearful of being struck, they cry out to the tree, demanding it to stop. In response, the tree asks the travellers if they have forgotten the shade and shelter it provided them when they were in need.

Analysis of the story 

1. Practicing Gratitude: “The Travellers and the Plane Tree” encourages us to practice gratitude in our interactions and experiences. By expressing appreciation for the kindness and hospitality we receive, we cultivate a positive mindset and nurture harmonious relationships.
2. Reciprocity of Kindness: The fable reminds us of the reciprocity of kindness and the importance of recognizing the assistance we have received. It encourages us to reciprocate acts of kindness and extend hospitality to others, creating a cycle of goodwill and support.
3. Avoiding Entitlement: The story serves as a cautionary tale against entitlement and taking things for granted. It prompts us to be mindful of the help we receive and to avoid demanding more than what is freely offered.