Greek mythology : Hephaestus and the Golden Trap
Far above the clouds, on Mount Olympus, lived the gods. They were strong, shiny, and perfect—or so they liked to think.
But one god was different. Hephaestus, the god of fire and metalwork, walked with a limp and had legs that didn’t work like the others. His mother, Hera, had even thrown him off the mountain when he was a baby because she thought he wasn’t “beautiful enough.”
The other gods laughed at his awkward steps. At feasts, they’d chuckle and point. Hephaestus kept silent—but his mind was sharp as a blade.
One day, he forged a glittering golden throne for Hera. “A gift, Mother,” he said sweetly. But when Hera sat down—SNAP!—the throne locked her in place. She couldn’t get up! The gods shouted, begged, and bargained.
At last, they had to promise Hephaestus respect and a seat among them. Only then did he release her. From that day, the god they mocked became the god they needed—creator of weapons, palaces, and wonders.
Hindu Mythology : Manthara and the Prince Rama’s Game
Long ago in the shining city of Ayodhya, everyone adored Prince Rama. He was brave, handsome, and loved to laugh.
One sunny day, Rama ran past Queen Kaikeyi’s maid, Manthara. She was short and bent at the back, and her steps were slow and careful. The prince chuckled to his brothers, “She walks like a crooked little duck!” The boys laughed and ran away.
Manthara’s cheeks burned. She had been teased her whole life for the way she looked, but hearing it from the royal children hurt the most. She thought, They may be princes, but they will learn that even a crooked stick can trip the mightiest warrior.
Years later, when King Dasharatha announced that Rama would be king, Manthara saw her chance. She whispered into Queen Kaikeyi’s ear:
“Don’t you want your son Bharata to be king instead? Ask the king to send Rama away.”
Kaikeyi listened. She demanded Rama’s exile for fourteen years. The kingdom wept. Battles and heartbreak followed. And somewhere in the palace shadows, Manthara watched—her crooked back straightened a little in satisfaction.
Moral of the Story :
If you laugh at someone for being “less,” don’t be surprised when they outsmart you and rearrange the whole world—just to prove a point.
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