The Peacock and the Crane
The Peacock and the Crane — The proud peacock mocks the plain crane, until the crane flies high. Aesop’s fable of the peacock and the crane with its moral for kids.
Story:
Once upon a time, a peacock and a crane were having a conversation in the forest. The peacock was proudly flaunting its magnificent feathers, boasting about its beauty and grace.
The crane, who had plain grey feathers and was not nearly as colorful or striking as the peacock, listened patiently. The peacock continued to brag about how wonderful and admired it was because of its beautiful plumage.
The crane, feeling somewhat embarrassed and envious, responded, “While you have beautiful feathers, I have a different kind of gift. I can fly high and migrate long distances, which keeps me safe and allows me to see many places. Your feathers may be beautiful, but they do not offer the same freedom and advantages that my wings do.”
The peacock, scoffing at the crane’s modesty, said, “Your plain feathers are no match for my glorious colors. How could they possibly be of any use compared to my beauty?”
Just then, a hunter appeared in the forest. Seeing the peacock’s vibrant feathers, the hunter decided to capture it for display in his collection. The peacock, despite its beauty, was unable to escape due to its showy feathers, which made it less agile.
The crane, with its plain feathers, was able to fly away swiftly and avoid the hunter. The crane then realized that its simplicity and practicality had its own advantages over the peacock’s elaborate beauty.
Moral of the Story:
“Beauty is not as valuable as practicality.” This fable teaches that while beauty and outward appearances can be impressive, it is often the practical and useful attributes that are more beneficial in challenging situations.
The story highlights the value of practical skills and qualities over superficial appearances and how they can provide real advantages in life.
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More: English Short Stories · Stories in 14 languages · Srikaram home
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