Aesop

The Dolphins, the Whales, and the Sprat

When dolphins and whales clash in the sea, neither side wants to back down. A small sprat tries to help them see that pride is only making the conflict worse, and that peace would be better for everyone. In this classic Aesop fable, a tiny voice carries a big lesson: sometimes wisdom means setting aside stubbornness, accepting help, and choosing harmony over winning.

Ages 6–10Grade 3
The Dolphins, the Whales, and the Sprat

A few story details

Who you'll meet

Dolphins: Intelligent sea creatures who get into a fierce conflict with the whales., Whales: Large, majestic sea mammals engaged in a violent battle with the dolphins., Sprat: A small, humble fish who tries to stop the fighting and bring peace.

A few story details

Where the story goes

The ocean: The vast sea where the dolphins and whales are fighting and the sprat tries to intervene.

Guiding ideas

Themes

Pride, The futility of conflict, Underestimating the small or humble, Peacemaking

Moral

Takeaway

Sometimes, pride can keep people from accepting help and making peace, even when it would be wise.

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