Aesop
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Greece

The Eagle and The Man

A fowler traps and mistreats an eagle, but a kind man rescues and nurtures it, allowing the eagle to regain freedom and gratitude.
Kindness
Gratitude
Trust
Aesop's Fables - The Eagle and The Man
Audio available for B1 version

Once upon a time, a Fowler found an Eagle trapped in a net. He took the Eagle, snipped his wings short, and tied him to a tree stump in his yard. The Eagle could not fly or feel the wind under his wings. He was sad, and his eyes filled with sorrow.

One day, a Man, who loved all birds, passed by. His heart melted when he saw the sad Eagle. He thought, "This magnificent creature should not be treated this way." So, he purchased the Eagle from the Fowler.

The Man took the Eagle to his home, where he cared for him. The Eagle's wings started to grow again. The Man fed him good food and treated him with kindness. He saw how the Eagle's spirit began to lift.

One day, the Eagle's wings were strong and long again. The Man looked at the Eagle and said, "You are free to go. You can fly and be happy in the sky." The Eagle took off, soaring into the sky. He was free at last.

Not long after, the Eagle caught a big, fat Hare. He remembered the kindness of the Man, so he took the Hare to him as a thank-you gift. As he placed the Hare at the Man's feet, a Fox was watching.

The Fox, sly and cunning, said to the Eagle, "Shouldn't you be trying to make friends with the Fowler who could capture you again? He is the one to fear, not the Man."

The Eagle looked at the Fox and replied, "That might be good advice for a Fox, but I am an Eagle. I choose to be grateful to those who show me kindness. I won't live in fear of those who mean me harm."

Once upon a time, in a far-off land where birds talked about the coolest games of tag and bunnies played hopscotch, a Fowler found an Eagle caught in a big, icky net.

"Ha! Now you're mine!" the Fowler shouted, winking like he just pulled off a magic trick. He snipped the Eagle's wings so they were super short and tied him next to a silly-looking garden gnome. The Eagle sighed and rolled his eyes. "Oh great, now I'm yard art," he mumbled.

Enter the Man, a fellow with a funny hat and a walk that said, "I really like birds, okay?" He saw the Eagle and said, "Oh no, no, no! This won't do! What's an Eagle doing next to a gnome?!"

"Hey, that gnome's a classic!" grumbled the Fowler.

After winning a funny dance-off against the Fowler, the Man took the Eagle to his own place, filled with rainbow bird feeders and jazzy music. "Enjoy, my feathered friend! Best bugs in town!" He fed the Eagle all sorts of tasty snacks.

Days went by, and wouldn't you know it, the Eagle's wings grew back, all nice and strong. "Alright, buddy, you're ready for takeoff!" said the Man, wiping a happy tear. "Go show the sky who's boss!"

Feeling as awesome as a superhero, the Eagle soon snagged a big, cuddly Hare. "This will be a perfect thank-you gift for Mr. Dance Moves," thought the Eagle. But just as he dropped off his fluffy gift, a Fox with sparkly fur piped up, "Hey, Birdy! Why not cozy up to the Fowler? You know, the one who might snip your wings again? Better safe than sorry!"

The Eagle puffed out his chest and said, "Listen, Foxy, that's your way, not mine. I'm an Eagle, got it? I'd rather thank the one who helped me than worry about someone who didn't."

And up, up, up he went, soaring into the sky, sprinkling the land below with laughter, a dash of gratitude, and just a sprinkle of birdy attitude.

Beneath the sun, so golden bright,
A Fowler caught an Eagle, much to its plight.
He clipped its wings, bound it to stay,
Near a tree stump, there the Eagle lay.

His eyes were sad, filled with despair,
No longer feeling the wind in the air.
But along came a Man, kind and true,
Who saw the Eagle and knew what to do.

“This bird,” he thought, “should soar and sing,
Not tethered down, missing its wing.”
With tender care, the Man set the pace,
For the Eagle's wings to embrace their grace.

When the time was right and the sky so clear,
The Man whispered in the Eagle’s ear:
“Your wings are ready, take your grand flight,
Embrace the day and dance with the night.”

Up above, with joy and elated heart,
The Eagle soared, playing his part.
Soon with a Hare, a gift in his beak,
To the Man's side, the thanks he did seek.

A Fox was watching, sly eyes on the scene,
Said, “Befriend the Fowler, or he'll be mean.”
The Eagle smiled, standing tall and grand,
“I thank the kind, in this vast land.

Your advice, dear Fox, may suit you just right,
But I’m an Eagle, choosing love over fright.
I cherish the kind, and to them, I’ll cling,
For in gratitude, my heart does sing.”

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Understanding Questions

Reflection Questions

  1. How did the Eagle feel when he was kept captive by the Fowler, and how did his feelings change when he was cared for by the Man?
  2. Why do you think the Fox suggested the Eagle should make friends with the Fowler, and not the Man?
  3. How did the Eagle show gratitude towards the Man, and why is gratitude important?
  4. What can we learn from the Eagle's decision to appreciate kindness rather than fear those who could harm him?
  5. Can you think of a situation where you chose to show gratitude and kindness instead of reacting out of fear?

Fable Quotes

Kindness sets hearts free and allows spirits to soar, unlocking the potential for growth and happiness.
Gratitude is the wings that allow us to soar with appreciation for the kindness we receive.
In the face of fear and deceit, trust in kindness and compassion to set you free.
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