Story Summary
Discover the classic tale of The Eagle and the Jackdaw, a story about the dangers of vanity and overestimating one's abilities through a bird's failed hunt.
An Eagle swooped down from a high cliff and, with a powerful strike, carried off a lamb in his talons. A Jackdaw, watching with envy, believed he could do the same. Flapping his wings with great noise, he settled upon the back of a large Ram. However, instead of lifting the beast, his claws became hopelessly entangled in the thick, matted wool. The more he struggled to escape, the more trapped he became. A Shepherd soon noticed the commotion, caught the bird, and clipped his wings. That evening, he brought the Jackdaw home to his children. When they asked what sort of bird it was, the Shepherd replied, 'To himself, he is an eagle, but to me, he is only a silly jackdaw.'
The Moral
Do not let vanity lead you to attempt tasks that are beyond your natural abilities.
“To himself, he is an eagle, but to me, he is only a silly jackdaw.”
Fun Fact
This fable is often used in literary studies to illustrate the concept of 'hubris,' a Greek term for excessive pride or dangerous overconfidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Eagle and the Jackdaw?
The moral is that one should understand their own limitations. Attempting to imitate others without possessing their natural strength or skill often leads to failure and ridicule.
Why did the jackdaw's plan fail?
The jackdaw failed because he lacked the physical strength of the eagle and did not account for the weight of the ram or the texture of its wool, which trapped him.
Who wrote The Eagle and the Jackdaw?
This story is attributed to Aesop, a legendary Greek storyteller credited with a vast collection of fables that use animals to teach moral lessons.
What happened to the jackdaw after he was caught?
The shepherd clipped the jackdaw's wings so he could not fly away and gave him to his children as a common pet, stripping him of his dignity.
What does the eagle symbolize in this fable?
The eagle symbolizes natural power, grace, and innate ability, serving as a foil to the jackdaw's unearned vanity and clumsy imitation.
How can this fable be applied to modern life?
It serves as a reminder to focus on one's own strengths rather than blindly imitating the success of others, which can lead to embarrassing consequences.
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