Library / Aesop’s Fables

The Peasant and the Eagle

A fable attributed to Aesop

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The Peasant and the Eagle

A peasant discovered an eagle caught in a trap. After admiring the magnificent bird, he decided to set it free. The eagle, grateful for its liberation, did not forget the kindness shown to it.

Later, the peasant was sitting under a wall that appeared unstable. The eagle, noticing the danger, flew toward him and used its powerful talons to snatch a bundle from the peasant's head. When the peasant rose to chase after the eagle, it released the bundle, allowing him to retrieve it.

Upon returning to his original spot, the peasant found that the wall under which he had been sitting had collapsed. He marveled at the eagle's timely intervention, realizing how the bird had saved him from potential harm.

The moral
Acts of kindness can lead to unexpected rewards and protection in return.

Discussion questions

  1. What motivated the Peasant to help the Eagle, and what does this teach us about kindness?
  2. How did the Eagle repay the Peasant’s kindness, and what can we learn from this exchange?
  3. Can you think of a time when an act of kindness led to an unexpected reward in your life?

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Read it in another language

Good night.

Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane