A silly Jackdaw tries to imitate a powerful Eagle but ends up getting caught instead.
An Eagle swoops down and carries off a lamb. A Jackdaw, watching this, believes he is just as strong and tries to carry off a large Ram. However, his claws get tangled in the wool, and he is caught by the shepherd. The story teaches us not to overestimate our own abilities based on vanity.
Author: Aesop
Themes: Vanity, Self-awareness, Limitations
An Eagle, swooping down on powerful wings, seized a lamb in her talons and made off with it to her nest.
A Jackdaw saw the deed, and his silly head was filled with the idea that he was big and strong enough to do as the Eagle had done.
So with much rustling of feathers and a fierce air, he came down swiftly on the back of a large Ram.
But when he tried to rise again he found that he could not get away, for his claws were tangled in the wool. The Ram hardly noticed he was there.
The Shepherd saw the fluttering Jackdaw, realized what happened, ran up, caught the bird, and clipped its wings.
That evening he gave the Jackdaw to his children. 'What a funny bird!' they laughed. 'What do you call it, father?'
'That is a Jackdaw, my children,' he replied. 'But if you should ask him, he would say he is an Eagle.'
Introduction
Read the classic Aesop fable 'The Eagle and the Jackdaw', a funny yet wise story about a small bird who thought he was much bigger than he really was.
About Aesop
Aesop was a storyteller in ancient Greece. His fables typically use animals to demonstrate simple truths about human nature.
The Moral of the Story
Do not let your vanity make you overestimate your powers. It's important to know your own strengths and limitations.
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The Eagle & the Jackdaw
Read the classic Aesop fable 'The Eagle and the Jackdaw', a funny yet wise story about a small bird who thought he was much bigger than he really was.
Origin of the Story
This story is from the collection of Aesop's Fables, ancient Greek tales that have taught moral lessons for thousands of years.
About Aesop
Aesop was a storyteller in ancient Greece. His fables typically use animals to demonstrate simple truths about human nature.
The Moral of the Story
Do not let your vanity make you overestimate your powers. It's important to know your own strengths and limitations.
Humility
Self-knowledge
Common Sense
Discussion Questions
Use these questions to discuss the story with your child.
🎨Why did the Jackdaw try to carry away the Ram?
💬What happened when the Jackdaw got stuck?
✨Why did the father say the bird would call itself an Eagle?
📝What is the difference between being brave and being silly?
Frequently Asked Questions
❓What kind of bird is a Jackdaw?
A Jackdaw is a small black bird related to crows and ravens. It is much smaller than an Eagle.
❓Why couldn't the Jackdaw lift the Ram?
The Jackdaw was too small and weak to lift such a heavy animal, unlike the powerful Eagle.
❓What happened to the Jackdaw in the end?
The Shepherd caught him, clipped his wings so he couldn't fly away, and gave him to his children as a pet.
