Loading...
Jupiter and the Birds
fable
2 min read
0 comments
0:000:00
Story Summary
In "Jupiter and the Birds," Jupiter calls upon all the birds to choose the most beautiful one as their king. The jackdaw, disguised with borrowed feathers, initially impresses but is soon exposed, prompting indignation from the others. However, Jupiter praises the jackdaw's cleverness, declaring him king and illustrating a thought-provoking moral: that wit is more valuable than mere appearance, making this a memorable story with moral significance.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that appearances can be deceiving, and true worth is often found in cleverness rather than beauty.
Historical Context
This story, often attributed to Aesop's Fables, illustrates themes of deception, self-presentation, and the folly of superficiality. It reflects ancient Greek values regarding wisdom and authenticity, as well as the moral lessons common in folklore that caution against vanity and the dangers of trying to appear something one is not. Variations of this tale have appeared in different cultures, emphasizing its timeless relevance in discussions of leadership and integrity.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the idea that outward appearances can be deceptive, and that true worth lies in character and resourcefulness rather than superficial beauty. In modern life, this can be seen in various contexts, such as the workplace, where individuals may attempt to present a polished image through borrowed accolades or experiences; however, it is ultimately authenticity and competence that earn respect and leadership. For example, a candidate might enhance their resume with exaggerated skills, but when faced with real challenges, their lack of genuine ability will quickly be revealed, underscoring the importance of authenticity.
You May Also Like
A Forfeited Right
In "A Forfeited Right," a Thrifty Person sues the Chief of the Weather Bureau after relying on his accurate weather prediction to stock umbrellas that ultimately go unsold. The court rules in favor of the Thrifty Person, highlighting the moral lesson that one can forfeit their right to truthfulness through a history of deception. This classic moral story serves as an inspirational reminder about the importance of integrity and trustworthiness in communication.
justice
accountability
Chief of the Weather Bureau
Thrifty Person
The Ingenious Patriot
In "The Ingenious Patriot," a clever inventor seeks a million tumtums for his formula for invulnerable armor, only to reveal a gun that can pierce it for another million. However, upon discovering the inventor's numerous pockets, the King punishes his ingenuity by ordering his execution and declaring it a capital offense, serving as a cautionary tale in this wisdom-packed moral story for young readers. This inspirational short story with a moral highlights the consequences of cleverness in a world that fears innovation.
greed
deception
Ingenious Patriot
King
The Jackdaw and the Fox
In "The Jackdaw and the Fox," a hungry jackdaw clings to the hope of out-of-season figs ripening on a tree, embodying the theme of misguided expectations found in entertaining moral stories for kids. A wise fox observes and cautions him that such hopes, while strong, will ultimately lead to disappointment. This short and sweet moral story teaches students the importance of recognizing reality over wishful thinking.
deception
hope
Jackdaw
Fox
Other names for this story
Birds of Jupiter, The Feathered King, Jupiter's Choice, The Jackdaw's Crown, Ruler of the Skies, A King Among Birds, Jupiter's Judgment, The Plumage Contest
Did You Know?
This story highlights the theme of superficiality versus authenticity, illustrating how the jackdaw's cleverness and ability to adapt ultimately earn him recognition, despite his lack of natural beauty. It serves as a commentary on societal values, where appearances can often overshadow true merit and wisdom.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.