The Jackdaw and the Doves

Story Summary
In this famous moral story, a Jackdaw paints himself white to fit in with a group of Doves and enjoy their abundant food. However, when he inadvertently reveals his true identity by chattering, the Doves reject him, and he finds himself unwelcome among his own kind as well. This quick moral story illustrates that by trying to belong to two groups, he ultimately achieved neither, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and acceptance.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that trying to deceive others to gain what you want can lead to losing everything, as one cannot belong to two worlds when they are not true to themselves.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, reflects themes of identity and the consequences of deception, common in ancient Greek storytelling. The tale illustrates the idea that one cannot successfully adopt the characteristics of another without facing repercussions, a motif echoed in various cultures and retellings, highlighting the value of authenticity and the dangers of trying to fit in where one does not belong. Aesop’s fables have been adapted through centuries, influencing moral literature worldwide.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the dangers of inauthenticity and the consequences of trying to fit in at the expense of one's true identity. In modern life, this can be reflected in situations like a person who alters their behavior or appearance to gain acceptance in a social group, only to find themselves rejected by both their original friends and the new group once their true self is revealed. The moral underscores the importance of being genuine; trying to please everyone may lead to isolation and loss of one's true self.
You May Also Like

Revenge
An insurance agent attempts to persuade a tough man to take out a fire policy on his house, passionately detailing the dangers of fire. When questioned about his motives, the agent reveals a dark secret: he seeks revenge against the insurance company for betraying his sweetheart, turning the encounter into a tale reminiscent of folklore with a moral about the consequences of deceit and the lessons learned from personal vendettas.

Two Dogs
In "Two Dogs," a dog, after suffering under human control, seeks a wagging tail from the Creator to express affection and gain acceptance, embodying a simple lesson from stories about resilience and love. Observing this transformation, a later-created Politician requests a similar gift, receiving a wagging chin which he uses for personal gain, demonstrating a moral about the differences in intentions behind gestures. This folklore offers valuable insights for kids, making it a fitting choice among moral stories for class 7 and short bedtime stories with moral teachings.

A Seasonable Joke
In the engaging moral tale "A Seasonable Joke," a spendthrift sees a single swallow and, believing that summer has arrived, pawns his cloak. This easy small story with a moral highlights the folly of hasty decisions based on assumptions, yet ultimately reveals that his belief was correct as summer indeed arrives. This well-known moral story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of prudence.
Other names for this story
The Deceitful Jackdaw, The Chattering Imposter, Doves and Deception, The Painted Pretender, A Tale of Two Birds, The Jackdaw's Folly, The Cost of Disguise, The False Feathered Friend
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of authenticity and the pitfalls of trying to deceive others for personal gain; the jackdaw's desire to belong to both the doves and his own kind ultimately results in his rejection from both groups, highlighting the importance of being true to oneself.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.