Hukumusume fairy tale collection > Foreign language (English) > Aesop’s Fables

Illustration　myi

Aesop at the shipyard

(Aesop’s Fables)

Translation　ちいさな翻訳屋さん

Japanese　←→　Japanese ＆ English　←→　English

　One day, Aesop stopped by at a shipyard to pass the time.

　The shipbuilders at the shipyard saw Aesop and thought he is a weird guy.

“If you are vexed, say something!”

　They teased and said to Aesop.

　So Aesop replied with this story.

“Once upon a time, when this Earth has nothing but water,

　Zeus, the god, called Gaia because he thought he needed a new element on Earth.

　He ordered Gaia, “swallow the sea water on this whole Earth in three gulps.”

　Gaia immediately started as she was ordered.

　In her first gulp, the mountains appeared.

　In her second gulp, the plains are revealed.

　And if she takes her third gulp, the water on the Earth will be all gone, and all of you will lose your job.”

　This story shows if people make fun of someone who is better than they are, they will have a tit-for-tat.

The end

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