Aesop 031: The Fisherman & the Little Fish
Notes
Translation by VL user Rinor/Celebrinor in 2025. First posted on VL, on 2025-12-22; reviewed by VL user Chaered.
Motto: A small gain is worth more than a large promise.
Text
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Alternative versions: English.
| No. | Quenya | Tengwar | Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | i·Lingwimo ar i·Níca Lingwë | | The Fisherman & the Little Fish |
| 2 | -- | | -- |
| 3 | Penya lingwimo, i vornanë i·lingwinen i raines sámë ú-almë uma ressë ar rainë alla hequa lai níca lingwincë. | | A not-wealthy fisherman who survived by the fish he caught had no blessing one day and caught only [a] very small fry. |
| 4 | i·Lingwimo þellë sestaitas vircolcaryassë yá i·níca lingwë quentë: | | The Fisherman intended to put it in his basket when the little fish said: |
| 5 | “Á órava nissë, Heru Lingwimo! | | “Please allow me to live, Master Fisherman! |
| Nanyë níca, ar nanyë ú-valda faren lyen colitan marelyanna. | | I am small, and I am not worthy enough for you to carry me home. | |
| Yá nauvan anhöa, oluvan i arya muleo lyen.” | | When I [am] bigger, I will become [a] better meal for you.” | |
| 6 | Mal i·lingwimo lintië sesta i·lingwë vircolcaryassë. | | But the fisherman suddenly put the fish in his basket. |
| 7 | “Manen auca naiévan,” quentes, “lerya tye. | | “I am foolish to return you,” he said. |
| Aimanen níca natyë, natyë i arya tá allana.” | | Even if you are small, you are better beyond having nothing.” | |
| 8 | -- | | -- |
| 9 | Eques: Níca cambië ná valda enetya höa vanda. | | Motto: A small gain is worth extra [than] a large promise. |