Library / Aesop’s Fables

The Raven and the Swan

A fable attributed to Aesop

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The Raven and the Swan

A raven spotted a swan and envied the bird's beautiful plumage. Believing that the swan's splendid white feathers were the result of washing in the water where it swam, the raven decided to abandon the altars in the nearby area where he usually found his food. He moved to the lakes and pools, hoping that by cleansing his feathers in the water, he too would achieve the same stunning appearance.

Despite his efforts to wash his feathers as often as possible, the raven could not change his color. As time went on, his lack of food took its toll, and he eventually perished. This story illustrates a timeless lesson: changing one’s habits cannot alter the essence of one’s nature.

The moral
One cannot change their inherent nature by merely altering their environment or habits.

Discussion questions

  1. What does the raven’s desire for the swan’s beauty teach us about envy?
  2. How does the story illustrate the concept of inherent nature versus external change?
  3. Can you think of a time when you or someone else tried to change for superficial reasons? What was the outcome?

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Good night.

Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane