In the dense green forests of Gabon, where the canopy touched the sky and the air rang with the songs of countless creatures, the birds once lived together in peace. Each had its place in the great design of the forest. The parrots painted the mornings with chatter, the doves cooed gently at twilight, and the nightingales filled the evenings with music.
But peace does not always last. One day, Peacock strutted proudly into the clearing. His feathers shimmered with colors brighter than the flowers of the forest. Lifting his head high, he called out to the gathering of birds, “Look at me! Surely I am the most beautiful among us. No other creature can match the glory of my tail.”
Nightingale, small yet full of confidence, lifted her voice. “Peacock, your feathers may shine, but beauty is not only in color. Listen to my song, which soothes the forest at night and charms even the fiercest hearts. Surely I am the greatest.”
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At once, the other birds began to chirp, caw, and squawk. Parrot laughed loudly. “Ha! What use are your feathers or your song if you cannot imitate the voices of men and beasts like I can?” Dove cooed softly but firmly, “Peace is greater than noise, and I bring peace wherever I fly.” Soon, every bird began to boast about its gift.
The quarrel grew louder and sharper. From tree to tree, from branch to branch, the sky filled with arguments. Some birds flapped their wings angrily, others whistled in defiance, and soon the harmony of the forest turned into a storm of pride.
High above, Hawk circled with keen eyes. He had watched long enough, and his heart grew heavy at the sight of such discord. With a mighty sweep of his wings, he descended into the middle of the quarrel. The other birds fell silent, for Hawk’s presence commanded respect.
“Brothers and sisters,” Hawk said, his voice strong as the wind, “why do you tear each other apart? Peacock, your feathers are splendid, but they fade without song. Nightingale, your voice is sweet, but it cannot fly as high as wings. Parrot, your words are clever, but they mean nothing without peace. Dove, peace is noble, yet it needs courage to survive. Each of you is proud, but none of you alone can rule the sky.”
The birds looked at one another, ashamed. Hawk spread his wings wide. “The Creator gave each of us a gift, not so we might boast, but so we might live in harmony. If you quarrel, the forest will fall silent, and even the other animals will laugh at your foolishness. But if you join your gifts together, your feathers, your songs, your courage, and your peace will make the forest rejoice.”
Slowly, Peacock lowered his tail. Nightingale bowed her head. Parrot fell quiet, and Dove gave a soft coo. The quarrel ended, and the birds agreed to honor each other’s strengths. From that day forward, though they still differed, they remembered Hawk’s words. When Peacock danced, Nightingale sang. When Dove brought peace, Parrot added laughter. The forest was once again filled with harmony.
And even today, when you walk beneath the tall trees of Gabon, you may hear the chatter, the cooing, the singing, and the laughter of the birds. Their voices together remind us that beauty lies not in one gift but in the sharing of many.
Moral Lesson
The story of The Quarrel of the Birds teaches that pride and boasting destroy unity, but respect and harmony build peace. Every creature has a unique gift, and no single talent is greater than the others. True strength comes when all gifts are shared for the good of the community.
Knowledge Check
What is the main lesson of The Quarrel of the Birds folktale from Gabon?
It teaches that harmony and respect for each other’s gifts are more valuable than pride and boasting.Why did Peacock believe he was the greatest among the birds?
Peacock believed he was the greatest because of the beauty and splendor of his colorful feathers.What did Nightingale claim made her the best bird in the forest?
Nightingale claimed that her sweet and soothing voice made her greater than the others.How did Hawk resolve the quarrel among the birds?
Hawk reminded them that each bird had a special gift and that true harmony came from respecting and sharing those gifts.What happened in the forest when the birds quarreled?
The forest lost its harmony, and the sky filled with arguments instead of songs.Which cultural origin does The Quarrel of the Birds belong to?
It is a Gabonese folktale from the Mpongwe Tribe, recorded by Robert H. Nassau.
Cultural Origin
Source: Gabonese folktale (Mpongwe Tribe, Central Africa), recorded by Robert H. Nassau in Where Animals Talk: West African Folklore Tales (1914).
