The Eagle and the Jackdaw
Story Summary
In "The Eagle and the Jackdaw," a Jackdaw, envious of the Eagle's strength, attempts to capture a ram to prove his prowess, only to become ensnared in the fleece. Captured by a shepherd, the Jackdaw learns a valuable lesson: pretending to be something one is not can lead to humiliation. This easy small story imparts a quick moral about the importance of accepting one's true nature rather than envying others.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that one should not attempt to imitate others beyond their capabilities, as it can lead to failure and humiliation.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, reflects themes of envy and the folly of overreaching ambition, common in ancient Greek literature. Aesop's fables, often featuring anthropomorphized animals, served as moral lessons and have been retold across cultures, influencing various literary traditions throughout history. The story emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's limitations and the dangers of imitating those who are inherently superior.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the pitfalls of envy and the dangers of overreaching one's capabilities in the pursuit of status or recognition. In modern life, a relatable scenario might involve a junior employee at a company who, envious of a senior colleague's success, attempts to take on projects far beyond their expertise, ultimately leading to failure and embarrassment, while the senior colleague's steady, measured approach continues to earn respect and success.
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Other names for this story
Eagle's Envy, Jackdaw's Folly, Wings of Ambition, The Misguided Jackdaw, Flight of Deception, The Envious Bird, Talons and Tangles, The Pretender's Plight
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of envy and the folly of aspiring to be something one is not, as the Jackdaw's attempt to imitate the Eagle leads to his downfall and humiliation. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overreaching and the importance of embracing one's true nature.
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