The Swan and the Goose

Summary

In this story, a wealthy man purchases both a Goose and a Swan, with different intentions for each: the Goose is intended for the dinner table, while the Swan is cherished for its song. However, when the time comes for the Goose to be prepared for a meal, the cook mistakenly tries to capture the Swan due to the darkness. Sensing an impending threat to its life, the Swan begins to sing, revealing its identity through its song and saving itself from being mistakenly sacrificed. The tale imparts a lesson on the value of identity and the unique traits that can protect individuals in times of danger.

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A certain rich man bought in the market a Goose and a Swan. He fed the one for his table and kept the other for the sake of its song. When the time came for killing the Goose, the cook went to get him at night, when it was dark, and he was not able to distinguish one bird from the other. By mistake he caught the Swan instead of the Goose. The Swan, threatened with death, burst forth into song and thus made himself known by his voice, and preserved his life by his melody.