The Lovely Colors of My Homeland...



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World Literature

Aesop

(Ancient Greece)



The Seal and the Shark

Tale



Once upon a time, there was a very sociable and friendly Shark. He loved to meet and greet everyone.

However, he had a recurring "headache": anyone who crossed paths with the Shark would immediately swim away.

He genuinely wanted to make friends, but this always left him feeling lonely.

One day, the Shark came across a Seal. Unlike others, the Seal didn’t flee.

Curious, the Shark asked the Seal:

– Why didn’t you run away like the others?

The Seal replied:

– I sensed your kind heart and knew you wouldn’t harm me. You’re a gentle and friendly Shark.

– That’s right, said the Shark. I wouldn’t eat you — I’m vegetarian and don’t eat meat!

– Well, look at that! — the Seal chuckled, teasing the Shark. — I guess I’m just nature’s good judge of character...

– But how can I explain to the others that I’m a friendly Shark? — asked the Shark.

– Let me take you to my friends — said the Seal. — I’ll introduce you and tell them how kind you are. They’ll pass it on, and soon no one will fear you.

So, the Seal brought the Shark to his friends — the Seahorse, the Penguin, and the Octopus. He explained there was no reason to fear the Shark.

Sure enough, it wasn’t long before the Shark had many new friends.

Moral: Do not judge someone by their appearance.