Aesop's Fables, Part 240 summary
Part 240 of 284 · 1 min to read the part
In Mercury and the Man Bitten by an Ant, a man condemns the gods when a ship sinks with its entire crew, then crushes hundreds of harmless ants after one bites him. Mercury appears, strikes him with a staff, and exposes the gap between his demand for justice and his own actions.
What happens
- A man sees a ship sink with its entire crew and accuses the gods of treating good and bad people alike.
- An ant bites his foot beside an anthill.
- In anger, he stamps on the anthill and kills hundreds of harmless ants.
- Mercury appears, beats him with his staff, and challenges his sense of justice.
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In this part
What to notice
Mercury turns the man's criticism back on him. His punishment of harmless ants contradicts the fairness he demands from the gods.
Quick check
What prompts the man to stamp on the anthill?
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