Aesop
|
Greece

The Peacock and The Magpie

Birds chose Peacock for king based on beauty, but Magpie's questions made them realize wisdom and courage were crucial.
Wisdom
Leadership
Responsibility
Featured in Fable Book
Aesop's Fables - The Peacock and The Magpie
Audio available for B1 version

Once upon a time, all the Birds in the forest gathered to choose a king. The Peacock, full of pride, stepped forward, showing off his gorgeous, shimmering tail feathers.

"Oh, let me be your king," he said with a grandiose spread of his beautiful plumage. The Birds, awestruck by the Peacock's beauty, were almost ready to make him their king.

Just then, the Magpie, a black and white bird, known for its wit and curiosity, flew into the circle. She looked at the Peacock and then at the other Birds. "May I ask a few questions?" she said in a calm voice.

The Birds, respecting the Magpie's wisdom, nodded. "Mr. Peacock," began the Magpie, "you certainly are a sight to behold. But if you were to be our king, what would you do when the forest is in danger? How would you protect us?"

The Peacock, caught off guard, had no answer. He hadn't thought about protecting the forest or the Birds. He had only thought about the prestige of being a king. The other Birds realized their mistake too. They wanted a king who could safeguard them, not just look good. And so, the Peacock's chances of becoming king ended.

In the end, the Birds understood that it's not just beauty that counts in a leader, but wisdom and courage, too.

Once upon a time, all the Birds in the forest gathered to choose a king. The Pearooster, feeling proud, stepped forward and showed off his shiny, colorful feathers.

"Let me be your king," he said, spreading his beautiful tail. The Birds were amazed by the Pearooster’s beauty and were ready to make him their king.

But then, the Magpie, a clever black-and-white bird, flew into the group. She looked at the Pearooster and the other Birds. "Can I ask a few questions?" she said calmly.

The Birds, knowing the Magpie was smart, nodded. "Mr. Pearooster," the Magpie began, "you are very beautiful. But if the forest is in danger, what would you do to protect us? How would you keep us safe?"

The Pearooster didn’t know what to say. He hadn’t thought about protecting the forest or the Birds. He only wanted to be king because of the title. The other Birds realized their mistake, too. They needed a king who could keep them safe, not just one who looked good. So, the Pearooster was not chosen as their king.

In the end, the Birds learned that a good leader needs more than just beauty—they need wisdom and courage too.

Once upon a time, all the Birds in the forest gathered to choose a king. The Pearooster, feeling proud, stepped forward and showed off his shiny, colorful feathers.

"Let me be your king," he said, spreading his beautiful tail. The Birds were amazed by the Pearooster’s beauty and were ready to make him their king.

But then, the Magpie, a clever black-and-white bird, flew into the group. She looked at the Pearooster and the other Birds. "Can I ask a few questions?" she said calmly.

The Birds, knowing the Magpie was smart, nodded. "Mr. Pearooster," the Magpie began, "you are very beautiful. But if the forest is in danger, what would you do to protect us? How would you keep us safe?"

The Pearooster didn’t know what to say. He hadn’t thought about protecting the forest or the Birds. He only wanted to be king because of the title. The other Birds realized their mistake, too. They needed a king who could keep them safe, not just one who looked good. So, the Pearooster was not chosen as their king.

In the end, the Birds learned that a good leader needs more than just beauty—they need wisdom and courage too.

Once upon a time, in a forest where the chirping was always in tune, and the trees swayed like they were doing the cha-cha, all the Birds got together to pick a king. Kind of like "Birds Got Talent," only with more feathers.

The Peacock, full of pride and glitz, strutted forward, flashing his dazzling tail feathers. "Ta-da! Your king has arrived!" he declared, wiggling his eyebrows and throwing in a dance move. "Who wouldn't want a king as fabulous as me?"

The Birds were so stunned by his beauty, they nearly dropped their feathers! They were all about to put on their shades and crown him king.

But hold your horses, or in this case, hold your birds! The Magpie, as clever and sassy as a detective in a mystery novel, flew into the circle. "Hold on a feathery minute!" she said, putting on imaginary glasses. "I've got some pecking questions here."

The Birds, knowing Magpie's wisdom, nodded, ready for some birdie banter.

"Mr. Peacock," began the Magpie, with a grin and a wink, "You're so dazzling you could be a disco ball. But if you were king, what would you do if a sly fox wanted to crash our party? How would you stop him from eating our snacks, or even us?"

The Peacock looked like he had swallowed a worm, the wrong way. "Umm, err, well... I'd probably... You know what? I'll get back to you on that." He fumbled, blinking like a broken traffic light.

The Birds all exchanged looks, suddenly realizing they wanted a king with more than just good looks and dance moves. They wanted someone who could plan the party AND keep it safe.

And so, the Peacock's chance of being king fluttered away like a leaf in the wind.

In the end, the Birds learned that having a shiny tail is all well and good, but a leader needs brains, bravery, and a sense of humor, too. Because, let's face it, being fabulous is great, but being smart and brave is even better!

In a vibrant forest glade,
Birds convened in tree-lined shade.
Peacock with feathers bright and grand,
Stepped forth, pride large as the land.

“Look at me, oh view my hue,
For a king, wouldn’t I surely do?”
Birds gazed, nearly set to concur,
Blinded by the colors in a blur.

But Magpie, with a questioning glance,
Asked if she might have a chance.
“May I pose a query or two,
Before the crown we bestow on you?”

All the Birds, they nodded “yes”,
For Magpie's wisdom, they did confess.
“Dear Peacock, colors aside,
How would you guard us, far and wide?”

Stumped, the Peacock stood quite still,
No thoughts of danger, no sense of ill.
He’d dreamt of a crown, a royal spree,
Not the duties a king would see.

The Birds, their minds began to shift,
Realizing they needed more than a pretty gift.
In leadership, beauty isn’t the song to sing,
Wisdom and courage, are what a true king should bring.

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Word Finder

  1. Gathered

    Came together in one place for a purpose.

  2. Proud

    Feeling very pleased about something you have done.

  3. Shiny

    Reflecting light, bright, and glossy.

  4. Amazed

    Feeling great surprise or wonder at something.

  5. Clever

    Quick to learn or understand things, smart.

  6. Danger

    The possibility of something bad or harmful happening.

  7. Protect

    To keep something safe from harm or danger.

  8. Realized

    Understood something clearly or became aware of it.

  9. Mistake

    An action or decision that is wrong or incorrect.

  10. Wisdom

    Knowledge and good judgment from learning and experience.

Understanding Questions

  1. Why did the Pearooster want to be the king of the Birds?
  2. What did the other Birds initially think of the Pearooster?
  3. Why did the Magpie ask the Pearooster questions before choosing him as king?
  4. How did the Pearooster react when asked about protecting the forest?
  5. What lesson did the Birds learn about choosing a leader?
Word Finder
  1. Gathered

    Came together in one place for a purpose.

  2. Proud

    Feeling very pleased about something you have done.

  3. Shiny

    Reflecting light, bright, and glossy.

  4. Amazed

    Feeling great surprise or wonder at something.

  5. Clever

    Quick to learn or understand things, smart.

  6. Danger

    The possibility of something bad or harmful happening.

  7. Protect

    To keep something safe from harm or danger.

  8. Realized

    Understood something clearly or became aware of it.

  9. Mistake

    An action or decision that is wrong or incorrect.

  10. Wisdom

    Knowledge and good judgment from learning and experience.

Understanding Questions
  1. Why did the Pearooster want to be the king of the Birds?

    1. Because he was the strongest bird.
    2. Because he loved to sing.
    3. Because he thought he could help the forest.
    4. Because he wanted to be famous.
  2. What did the other Birds initially think of the Pearooster?

    1. They thought he was silly.
    2. They thought he was brave.
    3. They thought he was too loud.
    4. They thought he was the best.
  3. Why did the Magpie ask the Pearooster questions before choosing him as king?

    1. To see if he was smart.
    2. To see if he could fly.
    3. To see if he was strong.
    4. To see if he would be nice.
  4. How did the Pearooster react when asked about protecting the forest?

    1. He got scared.
    2. He said he would do his best.
    3. He ignored the question.
    4. He laughed.
  5. What lesson did the Birds learn about choosing a leader?

    1. It is important to pick someone who cares.
    2. It is important to pick the strongest bird.
    3. It is important to pick the most colorful bird.
    4. It is important to pick the loudest bird.
  1. Why did the Pearooster want to be the king of the Birds?
  2. What did the other Birds initially think of the Pearooster?
  3. Why did the Magpie ask the Pearooster questions before choosing him as king?
  4. How did the Pearooster react when asked about protecting the forest?
  5. What lesson did the Birds learn about choosing a leader?
  1. What qualities make a good leader?
  2. How can leaders show bravery?
  3. Why is intelligence important in leadership?
  4. What role does teamwork play in effective leadership?
  5. How can a leader foster trust among their followers?
Reflection Questions
  1. Why did the birds initially want to make the Peacock their king?
  2. How did the Magpie's question change the Birds' minds about who should be their king?
  3. What qualities do you think a good leader should have, based on this story?
  4. Can you remember a time when something or someone looked good on the outside, but wasn't what you expected on the inside?
  5. How can we apply the lesson from this story to make better decisions in our lives?
Fable Quotes
A crown of wisdom outshines a feather of beauty.
Leadership is not measured by the beauty of feathers, but by the depth of wisdom.
In leadership, it's not about the feathers that impress, but the responsibility to protect and guide.
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