The Eagle and the Jackdaw
Story Summary
In "The Eagle and the Jackdaw," a Jackdaw, envious of the Eagle's strength, attempts to capture a ram to prove his prowess, only to become ensnared in the fleece. Captured by a shepherd, the Jackdaw learns a valuable lesson: pretending to be something one is not can lead to humiliation. This easy small story imparts a quick moral about the importance of accepting one's true nature rather than envying others.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that one should not attempt to imitate others beyond their capabilities, as it can lead to failure and humiliation.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, reflects themes of envy and the folly of overreaching ambition, common in ancient Greek literature. Aesop's fables, often featuring anthropomorphized animals, served as moral lessons and have been retold across cultures, influencing various literary traditions throughout history. The story emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's limitations and the dangers of imitating those who are inherently superior.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the pitfalls of envy and the dangers of overreaching one's capabilities in the pursuit of status or recognition. In modern life, a relatable scenario might involve a junior employee at a company who, envious of a senior colleague's success, attempts to take on projects far beyond their expertise, ultimately leading to failure and embarrassment, while the senior colleague's steady, measured approach continues to earn respect and success.
You May Also Like
The Monkey and the Camel
In the inspirational short story "The Monkey and the Camel," the Monkey captivates the forest animals with his delightful dance, earning their applause. Envious of his success, the Camel attempts to imitate him but fails miserably, leading to his embarrassment and expulsion by the other animals. This quick moral story illustrates the life lesson that it is foolish to try to ape those who are more skilled, reminding us of the importance of recognizing our own strengths.
The Humble Peasant
In "The Humble Peasant," a thought-provoking moral story reminiscent of famous fables, an Office Seeker laments the futility of ambition while envying the peaceful life of a contented peasant. However, when he approaches the peasant to share his reflections, he is surprised to find the peasant seeking a government position, revealing that even those who appear humble may secretly aspire for power and status. This captivating tale serves as a reminder that ambition can be found in unexpected places, making it a fitting moral story for class 7 and beyond.
The Jackdaw and the Doves
In this famous moral story, a Jackdaw paints himself white to fit in with a group of Doves and enjoy their abundant food. However, when he inadvertently reveals his true identity by chattering, the Doves reject him, and he finds himself unwelcome among his own kind as well. This quick moral story illustrates that by trying to belong to two groups, he ultimately achieved neither, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and acceptance.
Other names for this story
Eagle's Envy, Jackdaw's Folly, Wings of Ambition, The Misguided Jackdaw, Flight of Deception, The Envious Bird, Talons and Tangles, The Pretender's Plight
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of envy and the folly of aspiring to be something one is not, as the Jackdaw's attempt to imitate the Eagle leads to his downfall and humiliation. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overreaching and the importance of embracing one's true nature.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.