Section 86
The Tortoise and the Eagle explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
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A Tortoise, discontented with his lowly life, and envious of the birds he saw disporting themselves in the air, begged an Eagle to teach him to fly. The Eagle protested that it was idle for him to try, as nature had not provided him with wings; but the Tortoise pressed him with entreaties and promises of treasure, insisting...
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Public-domain original
A Tortoise, discontented with his lowly life, and envious of the birds
he saw disporting themselves in the air, begged an Eagle to teach him
to fly. The Eagle protested that it was idle for him to try, as nature
had not provided him with wings; but the Tortoise pressed him with
entreaties and promises of treasure, insisting that it could only be
a question of learning the craft of the air. So at length the Eagle
consented to do the best he could for him, and picked him up in his
talons. Soaring with him to a great height in the sky he then let him
go, and the wretched Tortoise fell headlong and was dashed to pieces
on a rock.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A tortoise wants to fly and is destroyed when the eagle lets him fall.
Why this scene matters
This fable warns against desiring abilities that do not fit one’s nature.
Characters in this scene
- Tortoise: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
- the Eagle: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
The tortoise begs the eagle to teach him to fly. The eagle lifts him and drops him, proving the wish foolish.