DLTK's Educational Activities: Aesop's Fables The Birds, the Beasts and the Bat
Many years ago, the birds and the beasts
declared war against each other. No compromise was possible, and so they
went at it tooth and claw.
It was a terrible battle.
Many a hare and many a mouse died. Chickens and geese fell by
the score -- and the victor always stopped for a feast.
Now the bat had not openly
joined either group as he did not want to be caught on the
losing side. So when the birds asked which side he was
on the bat quickly replied, "I have wings, I am on your side
of course." And when the beasts asked who he supported,
the bat responded, "with my sharp teeth and fur, it is obvious
I am on the side of the beasts." The truth of it was
that he did little to help either group spending most of his
time telling tales about the other.
When the battle was over,
the conduct of the bat was discussed at the peace conference.
The birds and beasts all turned angrily against the bat when
they realized how many times the bat had changed sides and
spread rumors.
Since then the bat lives in
fear of the beasts and the birds -- hiding in dark towers and
deserted ruins, flying out only in the night.
Many years ago, the birds and the beasts
declared war against each other. No compromise was possible, and so they
went at it tooth and claw.