The Honeybee's Sting

A Tale from Ancient Greece

Zeus, the King of Mount. Olympus, was giving out gifts to beasts and birds and insects one day. To his surprise, the little honeybee came before his throne and said, "Of all the gifts you could give to me, only one will do. I'd like the power to inflict great pain whenever I choose to."

"What an awful wish!" said great Zeus, "I will grant it. I hereby give you a sharp sting. But, I'm sure you'll use this weapon carefully in times of anger and strife. You'll only get to use it once, for using it will cost you your life."

And to this day, the little honeybee dies after it stings.

Copyright © 2000   Story Arts