Library / Aesop’s Fables

The Dove and the Crow

A fable attributed to Aesop

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The Dove and the Crow

A dove, confined in a cage, was proudly boasting about the large number of young ones she had hatched.

Hearing her, a crow remarked, "My good friend, I urge you to stop this unseasonable boasting. The larger the number of your family, the greater your cause for sorrow, as you must witness them all trapped in this prison."

The crow's words served as a reminder that abundance does not always equate to happiness, especially when freedom is sacrificed.

The moral
Abundance can bring sorrow if freedom is sacrificed.

Discussion questions

  1. What does the Dove's pride reveal about her character?
  2. How does the Crow's perspective challenge the view of abundance?
  3. Can you think of a time when you chose freedom over something that seemed appealing?

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Read it in another language

Good night.

Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane