Do you remember the stories that you read as a child? Moral stories can needn’t be serious, but they can be funny at the same time help your child learn something. We have compiled a list of 07 short moral stories that are inspirational, from India, and from around the world. <h3>1. The Boy Who Cried, Wolf</h3><img src="https://bee-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/image/the_boy_who_cried%2C_wolf.webp_image_1638188646554.webp" width="359">There was a young boy whose father, a farmer, had asked him to take their herd of sheep grazing every day.One day, the boy was extremely bored as he watched over the sheep and so he cried: “Wolf! Wolf!”On hearing his cries, the villagers rushed to help him chase the wolf away and save the sheep.When they saw the grinning boy and realised he had cried wolf for his amusement, they scolded him and told him to not cry wolf!The next day, the boy cried out that the wolf was there. The villagers came, scolded him again, and left.Later that same day, a wolf came and terrorized the sheep.The boy cried, “Wolf! Wolf! Please help me.”But, the villagers assumed that he was pulling a silly prank again and did not come to his rescue. The sheep ran away and the boy cried.Moral of the story: Don’t lie or engage in foolish pranks, for no one will believe a liar even when he is telling the truth! <h3>2. The Golden Touch Of Midas</h3><img src="https://bee-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/image/the_golden_touch_of_midas.jpg_image_1638188804006.jpg" width="365">A long time ago, there lived a king in Greece named Midas.He was extremely wealthy and had all the gold he could ever need. He also had a daughter whom he loved very much.One day, Midas saw a Satyr (an angel) who was stuck and was in trouble. Midas helped the Satyr and asked for his wish to be granted in return.The Satyr agreed and Midas wished for everything he touched to be turned to gold. His wish was granted.Extremely excited, Midas went home to his wife and daughter touching pebbles, rocks, and plants on the way, which turned into gold.As his daughter hugged him, she turned into a golden statue.Having learnt his lesson, Midas begged the Satyr to reverse the spell who granted that everything would go back to their original state.Moral of the story: Stay content and grateful for what you have. Greed will not get you anywhere. <h3>3. The Foolish Thief</h3><img src="https://bee-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/image/the_foolish_thief.jpg_image_1638188856227.jpg" width="362">Once, a wealthy merchant came to King Akbar’s court to seek help from Birbal. He suspected that one of his servants had robbed him.On hearing this, Birbal thought of a clever plan and summoned the merchant’s servants.He gave each servant a stick of the same length. He told them that the thief’s stick would grow two inches by the next day.The next day, Birbal summoned the servants again. He noticed that a servant’s stick was two inches shorter than the others.He knew who the thief was.The foolish thief had cut the stick shorter by two inches as he thought it would grow two inches. Thus, proving his guilt.Moral of the story: Truth and justice will always prevail. <h3>4. Two Frogs With The Same Problem</h3><img src="https://bee-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/image/two_frogs_with_the_same_problem.png_image_1638188962564.png" width="346">Once, a group of frogs was roaming around the forest in search of water. Suddenly, two frogs in the group accidentally fell into a deep pit.The other frogs worried about their friends in the pit.Seeing how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that there was no way they could escape the deep pit and that there was no point in trying.They continued to constantly discourage them as the two frogs tried to jump out of the pit. But keep falling back.Soon, one of the two frogs started to believe the other frogs — that they’ll never be able to escape the pit and eventually died after giving up.The other frog keeps trying and eventually jumps so high that he escapes the pit. The other frogs were shocked at this and wondered how he did it.The difference was that the second frog was deaf and couldn’t hear the discouragement of the group. He simply thought they were cheering him on!Moral of the story: People’s opinion of you will affect you, only if you believe it to be so. It’s better to believe in yourself. <h3>5. The Milkmaid and Her Pail</h3><img src="https://bee-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/image/the_milkmaid_and_her_pail.jpg_image_1638189037353.jpg" width="348">There was once a milkmaid named Patty.She milked her cow and carried the two pails of milk she fetched on a stick and set out to sell the milk at the market.As she was walking to the market, she began to daydream about what she would do with the money she fo for the milk.She thought of buying a hen and selling its eggs and she planned on becoming wealthy.She dreamt of buying a cake, a basket of strawberries, a fancy dress, and even a new house with the money she would make selling the eggs and the milk!In her excitement, she forgot about the pails she was carrying and began to skip.Suddenly, she realised that the milk was spilling down and when she checked her pails, they were empty.Moral of the story: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch! It is important to focus on the process of achieving success and not just success alone. <h3>6. The Elephant Circus</h3><img src="https://bee-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/image/elepahnt_circus.jpg_image_1638189224771.jpg" width="361">Once upon a time in a circus, five elephants performed circus tricks. They were kept tied up with weak rope that they could’ve easily escaped, but did not.One day, a man visiting the circus asked the ringmaster: “Why haven’t these elephants broken the rope and run away?”The ringmaster replied: “From when they were young, the elephants were made to believe that they were not strong enough to break the ropes and escape.”It was because of this belief that they did not even try to break the ropes now.Moral of the story: Don’t give in to the limitations of society. Believe that you can achieve everything you want to!<h3> </h3>7. The Elephants And The Mice<img src="https://bee-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/image/1_xvfat_v8xumqnkx7-3jcka.png_image_1638189285226.png" width="350">In an earthquake-hit village abandoned by humans, a colony of mice lived. Near the village was a lake, which was used by a herd of elephants.The elephants would have to cross the village to go to the lake. Thus, one day, as they walked through, they trampled a lot of mice.The leader of the mice met with the elephants and requested them to take a different route to the lake. He promised them that their favour would be returned in the time of their need.The elephants laughed. How could such small mice help these large elephants in any way? But then, they agreed to take a different route.Not so long after, the mice heard that hunters had caught the herd of elephants and were tied in nets.Immediately, they rush to rescue the elephants. They gnawed through the nets and ropes with their sharp teeth.The leader of the elephants repeatedly thanked the mice for their help!Moral of the story: A friend in need is a friend indeed. Make sure you help your friends out whenever they need it. They should always be able to count on you. That’s all folks!We hope children like these short yet interesting stories with morals that we have read growing up!There are more and more stories with morals on <a href="https://www.beeparenting.com/s/moral-stories" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bee Stories</a>.

Short stories with moral values will teach your children some important lessons which they will remember always.

07 Must Read Short Moral Stories For Children

Short stories with moral values will teach your children some important lessons which they will remember always.

Pallavi Hota

The Ramayan is an ancient Sanskrit epic written by the famous sage Valmiki. It describes Lord Rama's effort to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. It also describes the challenges faced by Lord Rama, Laxaman, and Sita when they were exiled from the kingdom for 14 years. Following is a story from ìThe Ramayana.Surpanakha was Ravana's sister, and it is believed that she instigated the battle between Rama and Ravana. There are different versions of the story of how Surpanakha was the reason behind the battle. According to Valmikis version, Surpanakha approached Rama with a marriage proposal, but he refused her proposal. She then turned to Laxman. Laxman too refused her proposal and baffled, she decided to harm Sita. On Ramaís order, Laxman chopped off Surpankhaís nose. Insulted and disheartened, she went to her brother Ravana who abducted Sita to seek revenge on Rama and Laxman.

This is a story of Ram, Ravan and Surpankha.

The Story of Surpanakha

The Ramayan is an ancient Sanskrit epic written by the famous sage Valmiki. It describes Lord Rama's effort to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. It also describes the challenges faced by Lord Rama, Laxaman, and Sita when they were exiled from the kingdom for 14 years. Following is a story from ìThe Ramayanaî.When it was time for him to die, Rama deceived Hanuman. This was because Hanuman would not let Yama claim Ramaís soul, and thus, it was impossible for Rama to die. To distract Hanuman, Rama threw his ring in a crack and asked Hanuman to get it. Hanuman turned himself into the size of a beetle and jumped inside the crack which led him to Naag Lok (where serpents reside). He asked King Vasuki of Naag Lok for the ring, who guided him towards a pile of rings, all of which belonged to Rama. Hanuman was shocked to see the pile of rings, and Vasuki informed him that he was tricked by Rama.

This is a story of Ram and Hanuman.

The Story of Rama's Death

The Ramayan is an ancient Sanskrit epic written by the famous sage Valmiki. It describes Lord Rama's effort to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. It also describes the challenges faced by Lord Rama, Laxaman, and Sita when they were exiled from the kingdom for 14 years. Following is a story from “The Ramayana”.It is a well-known fact that Sita was the daughter of King Janaka. Mandodari was the daughter of Mayasura, the King of the Asuras (demons), and the apsara (celestial nymphs) Hema. Mandodari bears two sons after marrying Ravana, Meghanada (Indrajit) and Akshayakumara. But Mandodari is also the mother of Sita, according to one of the references in Adbhuta Ramayana. It is believed that Ravana used to store the blood of all the saints he killed in a large pot. One of the sages, Gritsamada stored milk obtained from the sacred darbha grass in a pot to practise penance and to have Goddess Lakshmi as his daughter. Ravana got a hold of the milk pot by sneaking into Gritsamada’s house and poured the milk into his pot of blood. Mandodari got so offended by this evil act that she decided to commit suicide by drinking the contents of the pot. After drinking from that pot, Mandodari did not die. Instead, she became pregnant with Sita. After Sita’s birth, who is one of the incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi, Mandodari left the baby in Kurukshetra, and that is how King Janaka found Sita.

This is a story of Sita and Mandodari.

The Story of Mandodari And Sita

Shina Utavani

The Ramayan is an ancient Sanskrit epic written by the famous sage Valmiki. It describes Lord Rama's effort to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. It also describes the challenges faced by Lord Rama, Laxaman, and Sita when they were exiled from the kingdom for 14 years. Following is a story from “The Ramayana”.Ravana, the king demon was the ruler of Lanka. He had ten heads and twenty arms. He had heard many stories about Ram’s wife, Sita’s beauty. He spied Sita in the forest and instantly fell in love with her. He decided to kidnap Sita and bring her to Lanka. He made a plan to abduct her and went to his uncle, Mareecha, a demon and asked for his help. Mareecha had the power to transform himself in any form and even change his voice. According to the plan, Mareecha transformed himself into a golden deer. Ravan went and hid near the hermitage where Sita was staying with ram and Lakshman.When Sita saw the beautiful deer, she was fascinated by its beauty and asked Ram to bring it for her. Ram had never seen a deer like him before. Laksham warned Ram that the deer might be a demon in disguise. But Sita was fascinated by the deer so, Ram went after the deer. Ram asked Laxman to stay with Sita and protect her. The deer ran deeper and deeper in the forest and Ram followed it. Finally, Ram aimed an arrow at the deer’s heart and shot it. When the arrow struck the deer, it transformed itself back into the Mareecha. Mareecha cried out to Laxman for help in Ram’s voice. When Sita heard Ram’s voice, she begged Laxman to go and see if Ram was in trouble.Laxman was in dilemma. On one hand, he promised Ram to stay with Sita and on the other hand, he was worried about his brother Ram. So, Laxman drew a line around the hut with his arrow and told Sita not to step out of the line. He then left to look out for Ram. Meanwhile, Ravana was hiding nearby and heard Laxman and Sita talking. Ravana quickly disguised himself into an old beggar. He begged Sita for food and water. Sita took pity on him and stepped out of the circle. The beggar man turned back into Ravana, catching Sita in his arms and pulling her into his magic flying chariot. Ravana forcefully dragged her into his flying chariot and took her away to Lanka.

This is a story of Laxman, Ram, Ravan and Sita.

Sita’s kidnapping

The Ramayan is an ancient Sanskrit epic written by the famous sage Valmiki. It describes Lord Rama's effort to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. It also describes the challenges faced by Lord Rama, Laxaman, and Sita when they were exiled from the kingdom for 14 years. Following is a story from ìThe Ramayanaî.Vamana became a servant of Bali Maharaj. He stood, as a servant, with the Gada in His hand. It is said that Baliís palace in Sutal Loka had twelve entrances.Ravana once went to fight Bali. Nobody obstructed his path. When he reached Bali's door, he found a dwarf guarding the entrance, with a gada in his hand. He saw the same Vamana guard every entrance he went to. Amazed, he asked, ìWho are you, to stop me from entering?î Vamana replied that this was not the right time for him to enter. Ravana threatened to physically lift, and throw Vamana aside. Hearing this, the Lord pushed Ravana with the toes of His left foot. Ravana was thrown from Sutal Loka to Lanka. He never again attempted to face Bali.

How Ravana met Vamana

The Ramayan is an ancient Sanskrit epic written by the famous sage Valmiki. It describes Lord Rama's effort to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. It also describes the challenges faced by Lord Rama, Laxaman, and Sita when they were exiled from the kingdom for 14 years. Following is a story from “The Ramayana”.Ravana is depicted as the king of Rakshasas. He is said to have ten heads. But he was not born with ten heads.Ravana was a big devotee of Lord Shiva. Ravana performed an intense penance (self-punishment or tapasya) to please Lord Shiva which lasted for several years. During the penance, Ravana chopped off his head 10 times as a sacrifice to please Lord Shiva. Each time he sliced his head off, a new head arose, thus enabling him to continue his penance.Finally, this dedication of Ravana pleased Lord Shiva and he granted him ten heads. Ravana became one of the most powerful beings on earth. The ten heads of Ravana symbolise the six Shastras and Four Vedas, making him a great scholar and the most intelligent person of his time.

This is a story of head and Ravan.Moral(s) of the story: penance

The Story Behind Ravana’s 10 Heads

Diwali is celebrated as 5 following days:Day 1: DhanterasIt is the beginning of the Diwali Festival. The day is known as ‘Dhanteras’. People around the country consider this day very auspicious and religious. ‘Dhan’ means ‘wealth’ and ‘teras’ means ‘the 13th day of lunar cycle’. People worship Goddess Laxmi or Lord Ganesha on this day. They are worshipped for wealth, prosperity and well-being. Buying Gold or silver is considered auspicious and people usually do buy these elements as a sign of a good omen. Story Behind Dhanteras:There was a king named Heema. He had a young son and he was destined to be dead by a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. When he got married, his wife kept him awake on the fourth day in order to save his husband’s life. She prepared a large heap of gold and silver coins. She lit diyas and lamps. She also sang prayers in her soulful voice to keep her husband awake. When Yama, the god of death, appeared and his eyes were glorified by the light of lamps and shine of ornaments. He could not see anything and hence he had to return. Thus, the clever wife was successful in saving his husband’s life.Thus, from that day, it is celebrated with lights and candles and people buy gold and silver and worship it to pay the tribute. 2. Kali ChaudasThe second day of Diwali week is called Kali Chaudas. It is also known as NarakChaturdasi. The day is allotted to worship Mahakali or Shakti. It is believed that on this day Kali killed the most dangerous demon Narakasura. This day is to abolish Laziness and evil in our life. By killing the demon, the world was freed from fear. It is believed that one should not light diyas or step out on this day and rather stay at home and relax. 3. DiwaliFinally, the third day of the week is celebrated as Diwali. It is the celebration of light over darkness. It holds the meaning that light dispels the darkness of ignorance. The sole purpose of firecrackers and lights is to glorify the light of God. On this day, people clean their houses, light diyas, wear new clothes and worship Goddess Laxmi. The Goddess is worshipped for wealth and prosperity. Lakshmi puja is the most important of all rituals.Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama from his fourteen year-long exiles after defeating the demon king Ravana. The return of Lord Ram was celebrated by lighting diyas and decorations in the city of Ayodhya. People cleaned their houses and lit up diyas in order to celebrate the return of Lord Rama. From that day, people celebrate Diwali. 4. New Year The fourth day of the week is celebrated differently in different parts of the country. In the western states of India like Gujarat, this day is celebrated as Bestu-Varsh, the New year as per their calendar. The day is celebrated with great pomp and joy.In northern states, this day is celebrated as Govardhan Pooja and Vishwakarma Day, when people worship their arms, instruments, and machinery. This day is also called Annakut. 5. Bhai DoojThe fifth and the last day of the week is celebrated as Bhai Dooj. This day signifies the relationship between brothers and sisters. The sisters pray to God for the long and prosperous life of their brothers. On this day, sisters request their brothers to come to their home for celebrating Bhai Dooj. The sister makes delicious food for her brother. It is just like Raksha Bandhan.&nbsp;

This is a story of bhai Dooj, dhanteras, Diwali, Kali chaudas, Laxmi, Ram and Ravan.

Diwali

The Ramayan is an ancient Sanskrit epic written by the famous sage Valmiki. It describes Lord Rama's effort to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. It also describes the challenges faced by Lord Rama, Laxaman, and Sita when they were exiled from the kingdom for 14 years. Following is a story from “The Ramayana”.Lord Hanuman was gloomy after the coronation ceremony of Lord Rama. He sat in the corner, meditating on Lord Rama with closed eyes. Tears were flowing incessantly from his eyes.Sita noticed and informed Lord Rama at once about it. Rama went near to Hanuman and said, “I cannot give you anything in return for your Bhakti and Devotion. The only thing I can do is take you along with me to Vaikuntha”. Hanuman asked, “Will you be there with me in Vaikuntha” to which Lord Rama replied, “Yes, not as Rama, but as Lord Mahavishnu.” Lord Mahavishnu is the cause, and Lord Rama is the effect’.Hanuman replied, “I wouldn’t go to a place where Lord Rama isn’t present. I will stay back in Ayodhya and will continue meditating in the name of Lord Rama.”

This is a story of Hanuman, Rama and Vishnu.

When Hanuman Refused To Obey Lord Rama

The Ramayan is an ancient Sanskrit epic written by the famous sage Valmiki. It describes Lord Rama's effort to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. It also describes the challenges faced by Lord Rama, Laxman, and Sita when they were exiled from the kingdom for 14 years. Following is a story from ìThe Ramayana.King Dashrath was growing older. "I have lived long enough," he thought. "I must be sure my throne goes to Rama, the most worthy of my sons. What a great blessing it would be to see him as king before I go to heaven. "Then it will be done," Dasharatha concluded, "I shall step down and Rama shall be made king."The king told everyone about his decision. He informed the priests to begin the sacred rites that would allow Rama to assume the throne of Ayodhya. Kaikeyi, the last and youngest of the king's three wives, had heard of the decision to make Rama king while Dasharatha was still living. This decision pleased her.But Manthara, a maid-servant, did not want Rama to be king. If she could somehow convince Kaikeyi to change the king's mind, her position at the palace would be secure. That evening, she spoke to Kaikeyi in secret. "If Rama takes the throne, you would lose all your control over the king. If Rama is crowned, his mother will control the kingdom. Your rule will come to an end. Awake. Act now. You must convince Dasharatha that it is your son who should be the king."Kaikeyi believed Manthara. She decided to see Dasharatha and tried everything to convince Dasharatha to listen to her. She reminded him of how she had saved his life in the battle field and he owes her two boons. "First," she began. "I wish to have my son, Bharata, placed upon the throne of Ayodhya. Second, I want Rama banished from the kingdom for a period of no less than fourteen years." The king fell to his knees and begged his young wife not to hold him to these dreadful wishes. But as is known in history, King Dashrath had to take the hardest decision of sending Lord Rama on 14 years of exile.

ramayan stories

Kids moral stories help in improving their imagination & relate to real-world life. Here are age-specific bedtime stories for children by renowned storytellers.

The Story of Surpanakha

The Story of Rama's Death

The Story of Mandodari And Sita

Sita’s kidnapping

How Ravana met Vamana

The Story Behind Ravana’s 10 Heads

Diwali

When Hanuman Refused To Obey Lord Rama

Kaikeyi's demand to banish Ram

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