Once, a vain Peacock lived in a lush forest, constantly boasting about his iridescent, multicolored feathers. He spent his days preening and mocking other birds for their plain appearance. One day, he encountered a Crane standing by the riverbank. 'How dull and colorless you look!' the Peacock sneered, spreading his majestic tail in the sunlight. 'Your feathers are gray and dusty, while mine shine like the rarest jewels of the world.' The Crane remained calm and slowly spread his powerful wings. 'It is true that your feathers are more beautiful than mine,' the Crane replied. 'But while you are stuck on the ground like a common hen, my plain wings carry me high into the sky. I soar among the stars and see the world from above, while you only walk in the dirt.' The Peacock, humbled and silent, realized that beauty is worthless if it serves no greater purpose.
It is far better to be useful and free than to be beautiful and limited by vanity.
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Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Peacock and the Crane?
The moral is that utility and character are more valuable than outward appearance. While beauty can be admired, it is functionality and freedom that define one's true worth.
Why did the peacock mock the crane?
The peacock was filled with vanity and believed his colorful, shimmering feathers made him superior to all other birds. He mocked the crane's gray feathers because they looked plain and dull in comparison to his own.
How did the crane respond to the peacock's insults?
The crane responded with wisdom rather than anger. He pointed out that despite his plain feathers, he possessed the ability to fly high into the heavens, a freedom the peacock could never enjoy.
What does the peacock symbolize in the story?
The peacock symbolizes vanity, pride, and the superficiality of judging things based solely on their external beauty. He represents those who value status over substance.
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