The Eagle and the Kite
Story Summary
In the fable "The Eagle and the Kite," a sorrowful Eagle, in search of a suitable mate, is deceived by the Kite's boastful claims of strength and ability to catch prey. After their marriage, the Kite fails to deliver on his promise, bringing only a worthless mouse instead of the promised ostrich, revealing the moral of the story: deceit can lead to disappointment. This tale illustrates the essence of moral-based storytelling found in well-known moral stories and animal stories with moral lessons.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that one should be cautious of promises made by those who are not truly capable of fulfilling them, especially when motivated by personal gain.
Historical Context
This fable, likely originating from Aesop's collection in ancient Greece, reflects themes of deception and unfulfilled promises, common in many cultural narratives. The story illustrates the pitfalls of valuing strength over integrity in relationships, a motif that has been retold in various forms across cultures, emphasizing moral lessons about trust and expectations in partnerships.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the dangers of valuing empty promises and superficial qualities over genuine compatibility and character in relationships. In modern life, this moral resonates with the experience of individuals who may overlook red flags in a partner due to their charm or perceived strength, only to discover later that their actions do not align with their words. For instance, someone might be drawn to a partner who boasts about their wealth and success, only to find out that their lifestyle is built on deception and they cannot provide the support they claimed.
You May Also Like
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.
The Wolf in Sheeps Clothing
In this easy small story with a moral, a Wolf disguises himself in sheep's clothing to deceive the shepherd and gain access to the flock. However, his plan backfires when the shepherd, mistaking him for a sheep, kills him instead. This life-changing story illustrates that those who seek to harm others often end up facing harm themselves, reminding us of the importance of integrity.
Jupiter and the Birds
In "Jupiter and the Birds," Jupiter calls upon all the birds to choose the most beautiful one as their king. The jackdaw, disguised with borrowed feathers, initially impresses but is soon exposed, prompting indignation from the others. However, Jupiter praises the jackdaw's cleverness, declaring him king and illustrating a thought-provoking moral: that wit is more valuable than mere appearance, making this a memorable story with moral significance.
Other names for this story
Eagle's Dilemma, The Unfulfilled Promise, Love's Deception, The Kite's Folly, Soaring Expectations, Betrayed by Ambition, The Eagle's Choice, A Mate Misjudged
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of deceit and the consequences of making promises that one cannot keep, highlighting how appearances can be misleading when choosing a partner. The Eagle’s search for a worthy mate ends in disappointment, emphasizing the importance of integrity and reliability in relationships.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.