A Fowler and A Blackbird
A fowler deceives a curious Blackbird with the promise of a marvelous city but captures it in a net instead.
Once upon a time, in a sprawling woodland, there was a fowler who was busy weaving together a strange device. His nimble fingers moved in and out, twirling thin ropes. A curious Blackbird fluttered nearby and chirped, "What are you making?"
The fowler, not looking up from his task, replied, "I'm constructing a marvelous city with buildings and towers."
Intrigued, the Blackbird hopped closer, his beady eyes sparkling with curiosity. He imagined bustling streets and towering skyscrapers filled with avian companions.
Sensing his opportunity, the fowler beckoned, "Would you like to visit my city? It’s almost ready."
Eager to explore, the Blackbird swooped down into the 'city'. But no sooner had he landed than he found himself entangled in the rope. It was no city; it was a net! The fowler had tricked him. The Blackbird flapped his wings and squawked, but the more he struggled, the tighter the net bound him.
The fowler smiled proudly and carefully lifted the captured Blackbird. All the while, the Blackbird regretted not being more careful and allowing his curiosity to get the best of him.
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Reflection Questions
- Why do you think the Blackbird trusted the Fowler so quickly?
- How did the Fowler trick the Blackbird with his words?
- Can you think of a time when you were really excited or curious about something, and it made you forget to be careful?
- What does this story teach us about being cautious and not believing everything we hear right away?
- How can we apply the lesson from this story in our own lives to make sure we think and ask questions before jumping into something?
Fable Quotes
Beware the lure of a false promise; it's often a net in disguise.
Curiosity without caution is like a bird flying too close to the net.
Trust is a precious feather; once lost, the flight is never the same.
Just One More Fable
- Value
- Gratitude
The Gardener and the Aged Tree
An old pear tree, about to be cut down, persuades a gardener to spare it with the help of nightingales and bees.
- Imitation
- Consequences
The Donkey and the Pig
The donkey imitates the pig's trick of pretending to be sick for extra care, but stops when he realizes the pig gets killed for food.
- Caution
- Wisdom
The Heifer and the Ox
In a farm, a Heifer mocks an Ox's hard work but later realizes her idleness leads to sacrifice, while the Ox rests.
- Choice
- Wisdom
The Owl and The Birds
A wise owl warned birds about seeds that could grow into hawk trees, but they ignored her, leading to their own downfall.