Medieval TalesBeast Epics

The Owl and the Nightingale

A fierce debate between two birds reveals the clash between joy and somber wisdom.

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Illustration for The Owl and the Nightingale - a beast epics Medieval Tales story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Discover the classic medieval debate in The Owl and the Nightingale, where two birds argue over their songs and virtues in a spirited battle of wit and wisdom.

Deep within a summer valley, a fierce debate erupted between two birds. The Nightingale, perched on a blossoming branch, mocked the Owl for her somber appearance and mournful shrieks, claiming her own song brought joy and love to the world. The Owl, sitting sturdy on an ivy-clad trunk, retorted that the Nightingale’s music was frivolous and encouraged sinful behavior, while her own hooting warned men of coming hardships and taught them to mourn their sins. They traded sharp insults, criticizing everything from each other's hygiene to their nesting habits. As the argument reached a fever pitch, they decided to seek a mediator to determine who was truly superior. They chose Master Nicholas of Guildford, a wise man known for his fair judgment. Though the poem ends before the verdict is given, the two birds fly off together to find him, illustrating that even the most bitter rivals must eventually submit to reason and law.

The Moral

True wisdom lies in recognizing that different natures serve different purposes; one's own virtues do not invalidate the worth of another's perspective.

“Fairness is more than a pretty feather, and wisdom is more than a mournful song.”

Fun Fact

This poem is one of the earliest examples of the 'debate' genre in English literature and contains some of the most creative and colorful insults found in the Middle English language.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Owl and the Nightingale?

The moral is that differing lifestyles and talents all have their own intrinsic value. Neither the Nightingale’s joy nor the Owl’s somber wisdom is inherently superior; both are necessary parts of the human experience.

Who wrote The Owl and the Nightingale?

The author is officially anonymous, though the text frequently praises a man named Nicholas of Guildford. Many scholars believe Nicholas himself may have written the poem to showcase his legal and rhetorical skills.

What do the Owl and the Nightingale symbolize?

The Nightingale typically represents youth, secular love, and pleasure, while the Owl symbolizes age, religious devotion, and the gravity of the soul. Their debate reflects the tension between different medieval social values.

What language was the original story written in?

The story was originally written in Middle English during the late 12th or early 13th century. It is a landmark piece of literature that helped re-establish English as a literary language after the Norman Conquest.

How does the debate between the two birds end?

The poem ends on a cliffhanger. After the Wren intervenes to stop their bickering, the birds agree to travel to Portesham to seek the judgment of Nicholas of Guildford, leaving the final decision to the reader's imagination.

What is the significance of the debate poetry genre?

Debate poetry was a popular medieval genre used to explore complex philosophical or legal arguments through personified characters. It allowed authors to present multiple sides of an issue without necessarily taking a definitive stance.