The Kite, the Pigeons, and the Hawk

Story Summary
In the fable "The Kite, the Pigeons, and the Hawk," a group of Pigeons turns to a Hawk for help against a Kite's relentless attacks. After the Hawk defeats the Kite, he becomes overindulgent and vulnerable, leading the grateful Pigeons to blind him in a twist of fate. This life-changing story serves as a moral lesson about the dangers of excess and ingratitude in folklore and moral stories.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Beware of seeking help from those who may have ulterior motives, as they may turn against you once their needs are met.
Historical Context
This fable, often attributed to Aesop, reflects themes of betrayal and ingratitude prevalent in ancient storytelling traditions. The narrative illustrates a cautionary principle about seeking help from those who might have ulterior motives, and it has been retold in various cultures, emphasizing the moral lessons about trust and the consequences of misplaced gratitude. Such tales often served to convey social and ethical lessons in a concise and memorable format, influencing subsequent literature and folklore.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the dangers of seeking help from those who may have ulterior motives, as well as the unpredictability of trust. In modern life, a scenario could involve a company hiring a powerful competitor to eliminate a rival, only to find that the competitor then seeks to take over their market share, leaving the original company vulnerable and blind to the consequences of their decision.
You May Also Like

The Goatherd and the WildGoats
In this short and moral story, a Goatherd attempts to win over Wild Goats by feeding them better than his own during a snowstorm. However, when the Wild Goats leave for the mountains, they reveal that his favoritism has made them cautious, teaching a valuable lesson: old friends should not be sacrificed for new ones. This quick read story with moral highlights the importance of loyalty and the dangers of betraying long-standing relationships.

The Wild Ass and the Lion
In "The Wild Ass and the Lion," a Wild Ass and a Lion join forces to hunt in the forest, blending the Lion's strength with the Wild Ass's speed. However, after their successful hunt, the Lion claims the lion's share, asserting his dominance and threatening the Wild Ass, illustrating the life-changing moral that in the animal kingdom, "might makes right." This short and sweet moral story serves as a powerful reminder of how power dynamics shape fairness, making it one of the top 10 moral stories for children.

The Master's Eye
In "The Master's Eye," a stag seeks refuge in an oxen stable, promising the oxen valuable information about pastures in exchange for their secrecy. Despite their initial support, the stag is ultimately discovered by the overseer, leading to his demise, which highlights the importance of vigilance and the consequences of misplaced trust. This impactful moral story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the timeless lessons found in the top 10 moral stories and short stories with moral for adults.
Other names for this story
Kite vs. Hawk: A Pigeon Tale, The Pigeons' Betrayal, The Hawk's Deceit, Shadows of the Sky, Betrayed by Gratitude, The Price of Protection, A Sky Full of Lies, Predators in the Cote
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of misplaced trust and the dangers of relying on those with more power, as the Pigeons sought help from the Hawk only to be betrayed after he had satisfied his own hunger. It serves as a cautionary tale about how those who seem to offer protection may have ulterior motives, ultimately leading to one's downfall.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.