Traditional
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India

The Greedy Crow

A content pigeon shares her nest with a greedy crow, who sneaks into a kitchen for food, causing her untimely demise.
Greed
Moderation
Consequences
Jataka Tales - The Greedy Crow
Audio available for B1 version

Once upon a time, in a lively village, a friendly pigeon lived close to a busy kitchen. This pigeon was a favourite of the kitchen's cooks who would generously share their leftover grains with her. The pigeon was content with her simple yet fulfilling life.

One day, a sly crow saw the pigeon and noticed the hearty meals she was receiving from the kitchen. Intrigued and a little envious, the crow decided to make friends with the pigeon. With smooth talk and the pretense of companionship, the crow convinced the pigeon to share her nest.

The pigeon, being wise, laid out some rules for their cohabitation. "We can spend time together, share stories, and keep each other company," she suggested, "but when it comes to food, we should each find our own."

The crow nodded in agreement, but inside, she was restless. She wasn't interested in the pigeon's company; all she wanted was the scrumptious food from the kitchen. She saw the pigeon feasting on grains but yearned for something more flavoursome - something meaty.

Unable to contain her cravings, the crow decided to take matters into her own talons. She planned to sneak into the kitchen herself. In the dark of the night, she silently crept down the chimney, aiming for the kitchen.

The smell of a fish being cooked wafted up to meet her, and her stomach rumbled in anticipation. Driven by her greed, she moved towards the fish. But in her haste, she clumsily knocked over a ladle, creating a loud clatter.

The noise alerted the cook in the next room, who swiftly entered the kitchen and caught sight of the intruder. Before the crow could make her escape, the cook grabbed her and, in his anger, ended the life of the greedy crow.

Once upon a time, in a super funny village where even the flowers looked like they were dancing, a happy pigeon lived next to a really yummy-smelling kitchen. The cooks and the pigeon were best buddies. They laughed a lot and even gave her some leftover grains.

Now, along comes this sneaky crow. She saw the pigeon and all that tasty food and thought, "I've gotta get some of that!"

So the crow swooped down and said, "Hey, can I stay with you? We'll have tons of fun!"

The pigeon looked at her and said, "Ok, but listen: you get your own snacks, got it? We can chat and have fun, but we find our own food."

The crow said, "Sure, sure!" But inside, she was thinking about all the good stuff in the kitchen she wanted to munch on. That night, when the moon was up and it was really, really dark, the crow thought it was the perfect time for a little adventure. She snuck down the chimney, trying to be as quiet as a mouse. "Hehe, I'm so sneaky," she thought.

Suddenly, she smelled fish cooking. "Wow, that smells amazing!" Her tummy made a loud growling sound, like a tiny drum. She tried to grab the fish, but--OOPS!--she knocked over a big spoon.

BANG! The noise was so loud!

The cook ran in super fast, like a race car. "Hey! What are you doing here?" he yelled.

Before the crow could even think of a good excuse, the cook caught her. And just like that, her sneaky plans were over.

And so, in a land of laughing flowers and dancing trees, everyone learned that it's better to stick with what you have, especially if what you have is a super fun nest and some friendly cooks to share grains with.

Here's a tale of feathers and grain,
Of a pigeon wise and a crow, quite vain.
They both called a village their home sweet home,
Near a bustling kitchen where cooks did roam.

Pigeon had pals in this kitchen scene,
Who tossed her grains, keeping her lean and keen.
Life was simple but oh, so grand,
'Til a sneaky crow came to scheme and plan.

Crow watched Pigeon dine so well,
And said, "Let's be friends, can't you tell?
I'd love to share your nest of sticks,
We'll chat and play and share some tricks."

Pigeon nodded but set her terms,
"For food, we'll find our separate worms.
We'll keep company, yes, that's a treat,
But on grub matters, there's no deceit."

Crow agreed, but oh, what lies!
Her beady eyes fixed on a different prize.
It wasn't company she sought,
But the kitchen's fare—oh, she wanted a lot!

When night draped its starry gown,
Crow sneaked to the kitchen, from her nest slid down.
The scent of fish, so rich and free,
Guided her steps in dark secrecy.

But alas! A ladle tripped her flight,
Made such a noise in the quiet night.
The cook dashed in and there he found
Crow in the kitchen, far from her ground.

Before Crow flew, in that split second,
A lesson in greed was harshly beckoned.
The cook was quick, his temper high,
And Crow learned greed's a way to say goodbye.

Pigeon still lives by kitchen's cheer,
Wisdom's her guide, so she stays clear.
And now she knows, as should we,
A good friend's worth more than a meal, you see.

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Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think the Crow wanted to become friends with the Pigeon?
  2. How did the Crow's actions show that she wasn't truly a friend to the Pigeon?
  3. Can you recall a moment when you were tempted to break a promise or a rule?
  4. What does this story teach us about greed and being dishonest?
  5. How can we use the lessons from this story to act more honestly and fairly in our daily lives?

Fable Quotes

Greed is the desire that never stops wanting, even when the wanting hurts.
In all things, seek balance, for too much want can tip the scale.
The wings of consequences always catch up with the flight of greed.
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