The Archer and the Eagle

Story Summary
In "The Archer and the Eagle," a mortally wounded eagle finds comfort in the fact that the arrow that struck him was feathered with one of his own quills, highlighting a profound lesson from moral stories. He reflects, "I should have felt bad, indeed, to think that any other eagle had a hand in this," showcasing the depth of his acceptance. This captivating moral story reminds us that sometimes, the source of our pain can provide solace, making it one of the best moral stories to inspire resilience.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that it can be less painful to face betrayal or harm from one's own kind than from an outsider.
Historical Context
This fable reflects themes of self-identity and the complexities of betrayal, common in Aesop's Fables, which have roots in ancient Greece and often convey moral lessons through animal characters. The story highlights the idea that personal connections can offer solace even in times of suffering, suggesting that understanding one's identity can mitigate feelings of pain and betrayal. Retellings of such fables have persisted through various cultures, emphasizing their universal relevance and moral implications.
Our Editors Opinion
This story reflects the contemporary theme of self-accountability and the pain of betrayal, particularly when it stems from one's own choices or actions. For instance, a business leader may feel a profound sense of loss when a trusted employee undermines their authority, realizing that their own management style or decisions allowed for such betrayal to occur, mirroring the Eagle's realization that his own feather contributed to his downfall.
You May Also Like

The Fighting Cocks and the Eagle
In this captivating moral story, two game cocks battle for dominance in a farmyard, with one ultimately emerging victorious. However, the conqueror's pride leads to its capture by an eagle, allowing the defeated cock to take over without challenge. This wisdom-packed tale illustrates that pride often precedes one's downfall, serving as a concise moral lesson in humility.

The Trees and the Axe
In "The Trees and the Axe," a man humorously asks the Trees for a young ash-tree to create a handle for his axe, which they willingly sacrifice. However, as he swiftly cuts down the forest's strongest giants, an old oak laments that their consent has led to their own demise, illustrating a powerful moral about the consequences of sacrificing one for the many. This short moral story serves as a poignant reminder for personal growth, emphasizing the importance of protecting one's rights to ensure collective survival.

The Sparrow and the Hare
In "The Sparrow and the Hare," a Hare weeps after being attacked by an eagle, only to be mocked by a Sparrow for her lack of speed. However, the Sparrow soon faces a similar fate at the claws of a hawk, providing a poignant lesson in the unpredictability of fate. This short and sweet moral story reminds us that even those who gloat over others' misfortunes may find themselves in a similar predicament.
Other names for this story
Wounded Wings, Feathered Fate, Arrow of Destiny, The Eagle's Quill, Bow and Talon, A Bond Beyond Battle, The Archer's Regret, Eagle's Last Flight
Did You Know?
This story highlights the theme of self-identity and the idea that our greatest betrayals often come from within our own kind, emphasizing the importance of understanding the sources of our pain and the complexities of loyalty. The eagle's comfort in knowing his demise was caused by his own feathers suggests a poignant reflection on the nature of self-responsibility and acceptance.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.