THE PEACOCK and JUNO
by Aesop · from Aesop's Fables; a new translation
Adapted Version
There once was a pretty Peacock. He had bright, bright feathers. He loved to show them off. But the Peacock was not happy. He had a loud, harsh voice. The songbird sang sweet songs. All birds loved the songbird's song. Peacock felt sad about his voice. He thought his voice was ugly. He wished for a different sound.
Peacock went to see Juno. Juno was a strong goddess. She was very wise. She knew many things. Peacock felt very sad. "My voice is not good," he told Juno. "Other birds laugh at me. I want a pretty voice. Like the songbird's voice." He felt very sad. He wanted to sing too.
Juno looked at Peacock. She spoke in a kind voice. "Peacock, you are so pretty!" she said. "Your neck is green like a green stone. Your tail is great. It has many bright colors. It shines in the sun. No other bird is so nice. You are special." She tried to help him. She smiled at him.
Peacock was still sad. He shook his head sadly. "What good is looks?" he asked. "My voice is still very bad. No one likes my sound. I want to sing sweet songs. Looks is not enough for me. I feel so sad. My heart feels heavy. I wish I could change."
Juno spoke with a wise, clear voice. "Everyone has special gifts," she said. "You have great looks, Peacock. Your feathers are a wonder. The eagle has strong wings. It flies high in the sky. The songbird has a nice song. Each one has a special gift. This is how it must be. Be happy with your gift. It is unique to you."
Juno gently reminded Peacock. "You are not happy with your gift. This is not good. A new voice? You would want more. You would never be truly happy. You must be happy with yourself. Be proud of your looks. They are a true gift." Peacock learned a lesson. He understood Juno's words. Be happy with your own special gifts.
Original Story
THE PEACOCK AND JUNO
The Peacock was greatly discontented because he had not a beautiful voice like the nightingale, and he went and complained to Juno about it. "The nightingale's song," said he, "is the envy of all the birds; but whenever I utter a sound I become a laughing-stock." The goddess tried to console him by saying, "You have not, it is true, the power of song, but then you far excel all the rest in beauty: your neck flashes like the emerald and your splendid tail is a marvel of gorgeous colour." But the Peacock was not appeased. "What is the use," said he, "of being beautiful, with a voice like mine?" Then Juno replied, with a shade of sternness in her tones, "Fate has allotted to all their destined gifts: to yourself beauty, to the eagle strength, to the nightingale song, and so on to all the rest in their degree; but you alone are dissatisfied with your portion. Make, then, no more complaints. For, if your present wish were granted, you would quickly find cause for fresh discontent."
Story DNA
Moral
Be content with your own unique gifts and do not envy the talents of others, for everyone has their own special qualities.
Plot Summary
A beautiful Peacock is deeply unhappy with his ugly voice, envying the Nightingale's song. He complains to the goddess Juno, who tries to console him by praising his magnificent beauty. Unappeased, the Peacock insists his beauty is worthless without a good voice. Juno sternly reminds him that fate has bestowed unique gifts upon all creatures, and he alone is discontent, warning that even if his wish were granted, he would find new reasons to be unhappy.
Themes
Emotional Arc
discontent to acceptance (implied)
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Aesop's Fables are ancient Greek stories, often featuring animals, intended to convey moral lessons. Juno is the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Hera, often depicted as powerful and sometimes stern.
Plot Beats (6)
- The Peacock is unhappy with his voice, which he finds ugly, especially when compared to the Nightingale's beautiful song.
- He goes to Juno, the goddess, to complain about his voice, feeling it makes him a laughingstock.
- Juno tries to comfort him by pointing out his extraordinary beauty, specifically his emerald neck and splendid, colorful tail.
- The Peacock remains unconvinced, arguing that his beauty is useless with such a terrible voice.
- Juno, with a stern tone, explains that fate has distributed unique gifts to all creatures, such as beauty to the Peacock, strength to the eagle, and song to the nightingale.
- She scolds him for being the only one dissatisfied with his assigned portion and warns that granting his wish would only lead to further discontent.
Characters
★
The Peacock
A large, majestic bird with a robust body and long, elegant neck. His overall build is impressive, designed to support his magnificent tail.
Attire: His natural plumage serves as his 'wardrobe': a body of iridescent blue and green feathers, and a spectacular tail fan (train) composed of elongated upper tail coverts, each feather tipped with a prominent, multi-colored 'eyespot' in shades of blue, green, gold, and bronze.
Wants: To possess a beautiful singing voice like the nightingale, believing it would complete his perfection and earn him universal admiration.
Flaw: His vanity and inability to appreciate his own unique gifts, leading to constant dissatisfaction.
He begins and ends the story discontented, failing to learn the lesson Juno tries to impart about accepting one's destined gifts.
Vain, discontented, envious, self-pitying, ungrateful.
◆
Juno
A majestic and powerful goddess, embodying grace and authority. Her form is divine and imposing, yet capable of expressing compassion and sternness.
Attire: She would be adorned in flowing, regal robes of rich, perhaps deep blue or purple fabric, possibly embroidered with golden threads or celestial motifs, indicative of her status as Queen of the Gods. Her attire would be elegant and timeless, reflecting ancient Roman or Greek aesthetics.
Wants: To maintain order and harmony among her creations, and to impart wisdom about accepting one's fate and gifts.
Flaw: None explicitly shown; her wisdom and authority are presented as absolute.
She serves as a dispenser of wisdom, her character remains consistent as she attempts to guide the Peacock.
Wise, compassionate, stern, fair, authoritative.
Locations
Juno's Divine Abode
The sacred dwelling place of the goddess Juno, likely a grand Olympian hall or temple, reflecting Roman architectural grandeur and divine power.
Mood: awe-inspiring, majestic, slightly stern due to Juno's temperament
The Peacock complains to Juno about his voice, and Juno delivers her counsel on accepting one's destined gifts.