The Eagle and the Crow

In spring, swan-like geese flew to a green island in the middle of the river. They made soft nests among the reeds and laid smooth, pale eggs. A crow saw how…

In spring, swan-like geese flew to a green island in the middle of the river. They made soft nests among the reeds and laid smooth, pale eggs. A crow saw how beautifully the shells gleamed and decided to decorate her home with these “pearls.” While the birds were swimming near the bank, she carefully rolled a few eggs beneath an old pine tree without asking permission.

When the geese returned, they noticed the missing eggs at once and grew worried. A wise little owl examined the tracks in the sand, found the eggs unharmed and worked out where they had been moved. He flew to the blue-gray eagle, who helped the forest animals reach agreements. The eagle suggested that they should not jump to conclusions, but hold a council beneath the great linden tree and listen to everyone.

A light little sparrow went to invite the crow. He did not scold her, but said, “Today we’ll be talking about the goose eggs by the linden tree. We want to hear from you, too.” At first the crow felt embarrassed. Then she looked at the eggs in her nest that were not hers and agreed to come. On the way, she met a mother goose and noticed for the first time how worried she was.

At the council, the geese explained that the eggs needed to stay in a warm nest so the chicks could hatch at the right time. The little owl showed them the trail he had found, and the crow honestly explained that she had liked the pearly shine and had not thought about what might happen. The eagle asked how they could put things right. The crow herself offered to return the eggs and strengthen the nest with fresh twigs.

All the birds went to the pine tree. The crow and the sparrow carefully carried a soft basket, the little owl showed the way, and the geese tidied the reeds. Soon the eggs were back in their place, whole and warm. The crow was given a few white river pebbles to decorate her home, and she thanked her neighbors. When the goslings hatched, the crow was the first guest they invited. Now she always asked before taking or moving anything that belonged to someone else.