Aesop
|
Greece

An Ostrich, Birds, and Beasts

An ostrich, possessing characteristics of both birds and beasts, seamlessly moved between them, surprising and eventually gaining acceptance from both sides.
Adaptability
Acceptance
Understanding
Aesop's Fables - An Ostrich, Birds, and Beasts
Audio available for B1 version

Once upon a time in the wild grassland, there lived a creature quite peculiar, an ostrich. It was neither wholly a bird nor entirely a beast, yet it carried the characteristics of both.

To the birds of the sky, the ostrich proudly displayed its wings and sharp beak. It would join them in their soaring games, flapping its wings vigorously. Although it couldn't fly as high, it could flutter enough to keep up. The birds admired its ability to fit in, believing it was one of them.

At other times, it would parade around the beasts of the land, demonstrating its strong, sturdy legs and impressive speed. It raced alongside gazelles and wildebeests, keeping pace with the fastest of them. The beasts respected its strength and endurance, seeing it as one of their own.

However, neither the birds nor the beasts were aware of the ostrich's dual nature. It moved so seamlessly between them that it appeared completely genuine to both sides.

One day, a wise old elephant who had observed the ostrich's behavior called for a meeting with all the creatures. He revealed the ostrich's dual identities. The birds and beasts were shocked and felt deceived. They confronted the ostrich, demanding to know its true nature.

The ostrich, without any sense of shame, replied, "I am both a bird and a beast. My wings and beak align me with the birds, while my strong legs and swift speed bind me to the beasts. I belong to both worlds and neither. I've done no wrong by simply being who I am."

The birds and beasts, after hearing this, realized that the ostrich wasn't dishonest but merely adaptable. It was an unusual creature, yes, but it hadn't hurt anyone or done anything unjust. It was merely living in the way that suited it best, taking advantage of its unique nature.

Once upon a time in the wild grassland, there lived a special animal called an ostrich. The ostrich was not just a bird or just a beast; it was a mix of both.

To the birds in the sky, the ostrich showed its wings and sharp beak. It joined their games, flapping its wings hard. Although it could not fly high, it could fly a little and keep up with them. The birds thought the ostrich was one of them.

At other times, the ostrich would show the land animals its strong legs and fast running. It raced with gazelles and wildebeests, running as fast as they did. The land animals respected its strength and speed, thinking it was one of them.

But the birds and the beasts did not know the ostrich’s true nature. It moved between them so easily that they did not see the difference.

One day, a wise old elephant called all the animals together. He told them about the ostrich’s dual nature. The birds and the beasts were surprised and felt tricked. They asked the ostrich to explain.

The ostrich said, "I am both a bird and a beast. My wings and beak make me like the birds, and my strong legs and speed make me like the beasts. I belong to both groups and neither. I have done nothing wrong by being myself."

The birds and the beasts understood that the ostrich was not lying, just adaptable. It was different, but it had not hurt anyone. It was just living in the best way for itself, using its special nature.

There is an ostrich in the grassland. It has wings and a beak like a bird. It has strong legs and runs fast like a land animal.

The ostrich plays with the birds. It flaps its wings but does not fly high. The birds think the ostrich is one of them.

The ostrich also runs with the land animals. It races with gazelles and wildebeests. The land animals think the ostrich is one of them.

One day, a wise old elephant calls all the animals together. He tells them about the ostrich. The birds and the land animals are surprised. They feel tricked. They ask the ostrich to explain.

The ostrich says, "I am both a bird and a land animal. I have wings and a beak like birds. I have strong legs and run fast like land animals. I belong to both groups."

The birds and the land animals understand. The ostrich is different, but it is not bad. It is just living in the best way it can.

Once upon a time in the wild grassland, there lived a special animal called an ostrich. The ostrich was not just a bird or just a beast; it was a mix of both.

To the birds in the sky, the ostrich showed its wings and sharp beak. It joined their games, flapping its wings hard. Although it could not fly high, it could fly a little and keep up with them. The birds thought the ostrich was one of them.

At other times, the ostrich would show the land animals its strong legs and fast running. It raced with gazelles and wildebeests, running as fast as they did. The land animals respected its strength and speed, thinking it was one of them.

But the birds and the beasts did not know the ostrich’s true nature. It moved between them so easily that they did not see the difference.

One day, a wise old elephant called all the animals together. He told them about the ostrich’s dual nature. The birds and the beasts were surprised and felt tricked. They asked the ostrich to explain.

The ostrich said, "I am both a bird and a beast. My wings and beak make me like the birds, and my strong legs and speed make me like the beasts. I belong to both groups and neither. I have done nothing wrong by being myself."

The birds and the beasts understood that the ostrich was not lying, just adaptable. It was different, but it had not hurt anyone. It was just living in the best way for itself, using its special nature.

Once upon a time, in the heart of the meadow where the grass was as green as a pickle, lived a real character—an ostrich. This ostrich was a combo meal, like getting fries AND a milkshake, but in animal form!

So, first off, this ostrich had some serious swagger with the bird gang. Yep, it wiggled its feathers, showed off its beak, and said, "Check me out! I can flap-flap with the best of ya!" The birds are like, "Whoa, those are some shiny feathers! Welcome to the Sky Club, my feathery friend!"

But hang on to your feathers, because there's a plot twist! This ostrich also had an Earth Club membership! It ran super-duper fast with the land animals. Gazelles and wildebeests would race alongside it, and they'd all be out of breath, except for our ostrich, who was just warming up! They'd all cheer, "You’ve got speed, buddy, you're one of us!"

Everyone thought they had the ostrich figured out, but oh boy, were they in for a surprise. Enter the wise old elephant, with wrinkles like a roadmap of wisdom. He’s seen it all, done it all, and even has the trunk to prove it.

One fine day, Mr. Elephant gathers the birds on one side and the beasts on the other. "Dear creatures of air and land, gather 'round! I've got a hot scoop for ya! Our friend the ostrich is living the dream! It’s a bird! It’s a beast! It's a... bird-beast!"

The animal crowd gasps like they just saw a magic trick. Feathers ruffle and tails twitch. They surround the ostrich, who's standing there like a movie star on the red carpet. "Okay, spill the beans! Are you a birdie or a beastie?"

Our ostrich, not missing a beat, says, "Why pick just one flavor when you can have a double scoop? I've got the wings, I've got the legs, I'm the whole package! I'm not tricking anyone; I'm just being me—and that's pretty darn awesome!"

The animals pause, look at each other, and have a light-bulb moment. "Hey, the ostrich is right! Who are we to say you can't be a bird and a beast? Rock on, ostrich!"

So, everybody learned a big lesson that day. Being a little bit of this and a little bit of that isn't confusing; it’s the coolest thing ever!

And they all played games, ran races, and flapped wings, living happily in their meadow.

In the grasslands where the breezes blow,
Lived an ostrich, putting quite a show.
Neither just a bird nor just a beast,
With traits of both, to say the least.

To skyward friends, its wings it'd flaunt,
And though it couldn't soar or haunt,
Its flapping was quite the display,
Birds believed it belonged their way.

Then to the beasts, it'd show strong feet,
Racing gazelles, no easy feat!
With legs so sturdy, fast and lean,
The land creatures thought it was their queen.

Yet neither knew the full tale true,
Of this creature that both flew and grew.
It danced between both worlds so neat,
Its dual life was quite a feat!

But elephant wise, with wrinkles deep,
Called creatures round, their truths to keep.
He spoke of the ostrich’s dual plays,
Birds and beasts were in a daze.

"Why have you kept us in the dark?"
They demanded, their voices stark.
Ostrich stood, no guilt in sight,
“I’m both day and also night.”

“My wings and beak, they sing the bird's song,
But my strong legs to beasts belong.
Two worlds I walk, yet harm I've done none,
I am just living, having my fun."

Hearing this, the beasts and birds paused,
For the ostrich, they now applauded.
Unique, indeed, but honest and true,
Ostrich taught them a lesson, anew!

Share
Feedback

Word Finder

  1. Ostrich

    Large bird with long neck and legs.

  2. Grassland

    Large open area with grass only.

  3. Beak

    Hard mouth part of a bird.

  4. Flapping

    Moving wings up and down quickly.

  5. Gazelles

    Small, fast animals living in grasslands.

  6. Wildebeests

    Large, strong animals living in grasslands.

  7. Nature

    Basic character or qualities of something.

  8. Respected

    Admired or considered important by others.

  9. Dual

    Having two different parts or aspects.

  10. Adaptable

    Able to change and adjust easily.

Understanding Questions

  1. Where did the ostrich live based on the story?
  2. How did the ostrich convince the birds it was one of them?
  3. What made the land animals respect the ostrich?
  4. Why were the birds and beasts surprised by the ostrich’s nature?
  5. How did the ostrich defend itself when questioned by the other animals?

Word Finder

  1. Grassland

    Land with many grasses and few trees.

  2. Beak

    Hard part of a bird's mouth.

  3. Flaps

    Moves wings up and down.

  4. Gazelles

    Fast-running, small antelope animals.

  5. Wildebeests

    Large animals with horns and long tails.

  6. Wise

    Very smart and knowing a lot.

  7. Tricked

    Made to believe something that is not true.

  8. Explain

    Tell or show something to make it clear.

  9. Different

    Not the same as others.

  10. Belong

    To be part of a group.

  1. Ostrich

    Large bird with long neck and legs.

  2. Grassland

    Large open area with grass only.

  3. Beak

    Hard mouth part of a bird.

  4. Flapping

    Moving wings up and down quickly.

  5. Gazelles

    Small, fast animals living in grasslands.

  6. Wildebeests

    Large, strong animals living in grasslands.

  7. Nature

    Basic character or qualities of something.

  8. Respected

    Admired or considered important by others.

  9. Dual

    Having two different parts or aspects.

  10. Adaptable

    Able to change and adjust easily.

Understanding Questions

  1. Where does the ostrich live?

    1. In the forest
    2. In the desert
    3. In the grassland
    4. In the mountains
  2. What can the ostrich do with its wings?

    1. Fly high
    2. Flap them
    3. Swim
    4. Climb trees
  3. Who calls all the animals together one day?

    1. A wise old elephant
    2. A fast gazelle
    3. A big bird
    4. A running wildebeest
  4. How do the birds and land animals feel when they learn about the ostrich?

    1. Happy
    2. Angry
    3. Surprised
    4. Sad
  5. What does the ostrich say about its wings and legs?

    1. "I have wings like birds and legs like land animals."
    2. "I have wings like land animals and legs like birds."
    3. "I do not have wings or legs."
    4. "I only have wings."
  1. Where did the ostrich live based on the story?
  2. How did the ostrich convince the birds it was one of them?
  3. What made the land animals respect the ostrich?
  4. Why were the birds and beasts surprised by the ostrich’s nature?
  5. How did the ostrich defend itself when questioned by the other animals?
  1. What makes the ostrich unique compared to other creatures?
  2. What did the land animals admire about the ostrich?
  3. Why did the animals feel deceived when the elephant revealed the ostrich's true nature?
  4. How did the ostrich justify its dual nature to the birds and the beasts?
  5. What realization did the birds and beasts come to about the ostrich after its explanation?

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think the Ostrich acted both like a bird and a beast?
  2. How did the other animals feel when they found out about the Ostrich's dual nature, and why?
  3. Can you relate to the Ostrich, being different in certain ways and fitting into different groups?
  4. What does this story tell us about the importance of understanding and accepting others' uniqueness?
  5. Can you think of a situation where we can apply this story's lesson about being true to ourselves and embracing our uniqueness?

Fable Quotes

Adaptability is the key to thriving, for those who can seamlessly embrace their unique nature.
Acceptance is the key that unlocks the cage of judgment.
To understand is to embrace the uniqueness of others, for it reveals the beauty hidden within diversity.
About

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.