The Swallow and Other Birds
A wise Swallow warns other birds about hemp seeds, which could become dangerous nets, but they ignore the advice and get trapped.
In a far-off land, there was a Swallow, swift and alert. One day, as she was flying high above the earth, she saw some shiny little objects scattered across a farmer's field. Hovering down for a closer look, she noticed these were not ordinary seeds but hemp seeds, the kind used to grow strong fibers.
The Swallow, being wise and thoughtful, recognized the potential danger these seeds could bring. She understood that if these seeds were to sprout, grow, and be harvested, they might be spun into threads and woven into nets - tools that could pose a risk to all birds, herself included.
Taking the initiative, the swallow gathered all the birds in the area and warned them about the perilous seeds. The swallow urged the others, "We must eat these seeds now while they are still harmless. If we let them grow, they might become the means of our own capture."
Unfortunately, the other birds brushed off the swallow's advice. They thought the swallow was being overly cautious and paranoid. After all, the seeds were just seeds, and the nets were far away in the human world.
Ignoring the swallow's advice, the birds continued with their daily routines. The swallow, however, persisted and ate as many hemp seeds as it could, but one bird could only do so much.
As time passed, the disregarded seeds sprouted into plants, then matured into tall hemp crops. Humans harvested these crops and turned the fibers into sturdy nets. Before long, the nets were cast, and the birds who had ignored the swallow's warning were caught and trapped.

Audio available for B1 version
Read Along unavailable for this story
In a faraway land, there was a quick and alert Swallow.
One day, while flying high above the ground, she saw some shiny objects in a farmer's field.
She flew down to see what they were and noticed that they were not ordinary seeds, but hemp seeds, used to grow strong fibers.
The Swallow, being wise, knew these seeds could be dangerous.
If the seeds grew into plants, they might be used to make nets that could catch birds, including herself.
The Swallow decided to warn the other birds.
She told them, "We must eat these seeds now before they grow.
If we let them grow, they might be used to make nets that can catch us."
But the other birds did not listen to the Swallow.
They thought she was worrying too much.
"They are just seeds," they said, and continued with their day.
The Swallow did not give up.
She ate as many hemp seeds as she could, but one bird could not eat them all.
Time passed, and the seeds grew into tall hemp plants.
The humans harvested the plants and made strong nets from the fibers.
Soon, the nets were used to catch birds, including those who had ignored the Swallow’s warning.
Something went wrong. Please try again.
Word Finder
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think the Swallow was worried about the hemp seeds?
- How did the other birds react to the Swallow's warning, and why do you think they responded that way?
- Can you remember a time when you didn't listen to a warning, and what were the consequences?
- What does this story teach us about the importance of understanding potential risks and taking precautions?
- How can we apply the lessons from this story to make better decisions in our own lives?
Fable Quotes
Ignorance of danger doesn't keep it away.
Preparation today can save us from tomorrow's dangers.
Ignoring wise advice can lead to unwanted consequences.