The peacock and the crane

Summary

The story describes an encounter between a Peacock and a Crane, where the Peacock boasts about his vibrant and colorful feathers, flaunting them to impress the Crane. He derides the Crane for his dull, gray appearance. However, the Crane demonstrates his superiority by soaring into the sky, showcasing his ability to fly freely and reach great heights, something the Peacock cannot do despite his beauty. This narrative highlights themes of vanity and the realization that outer beauty is not everything; practical abilities and freedom can offer greater rewards and freedom than mere appearances. The story serves to teach children about humility and the value of substance over superficial allure.

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A Peacock, puffed up with vanity, met a Crane one day, and to impress him spread his gorgeous tail in the Sun.

“Look,” he said. “What have you to compare with this? I am dressed in all the glory of the rainbow, while your feathers are gray as dust!”

The Crane spread his broad wings and flew up toward the sun.

“Follow me if you can,” he said. But the Peacock stood where he was among the birds of the barnyard, while the Crane soared in freedom far up into the blue sky.