The Falcon That Wouldn't Fly
A magnificent falcon had wings to soar through the sky, but it chose to sit on a single branch, day after day. No one could make it move, until a wise old man arrived with a very simple, but very clever, idea.
Once upon a time, a kind-hearted king named Aric loved birds and animals. One day, a businessman gifted him two beautiful falcons. The king ordered his head bird trainer to take good care of them. Soon, the king wanted to see the falcons fly. The trainer released the first falcon, "Swift," and it flew high and fast. The king was delighted and rewarded the trainer.
Then, he asked about the other falcon, "Shadow." The trainer replied sadly, "Your Majesty, this falcon has not moved from its branch since the first day. I have tried everything, but it refuses to move." The king announced he needed someone to make the falcon fly. A wise old man came and assured the king he could solve the problem.
The very next day, the king was amazed to see Shadow soaring through the sky, just as strong and fast as Swift. The king asked the old man, "How did you do that in a single day? What is your secret?" The wise man simply replied, "Your Majesty, I just cut the branch where it used to sit." The falcon was forced to use its wings and discovered its own power. Many of us have wings, but we are afraid to leave the "branch" where we feel safe.
🎯 Values and Lessons Learned
- Leave Your Comfort Zone: Your true potential is realized only when you dare to leave what is safe and familiar.
- Believe in Your Abilities: The falcon had wings all along; it just needed a reason to use them. We all have hidden strengths.
- A Simple Solution is Often Best: The trainer tried complex methods, but the wise man saw the simple root of the problem.
- Don't Let Fear Hold You Back: The falcon was likely afraid to leave the branch, but once it did, it found freedom and joy.
Questions to Understand the Story
- What gift did the king receive from a businessman?
- What was the problem with the second falcon, Shadow?
- What was the wise old man's simple solution to the problem?
- What did the falcon do once the branch was gone?
- Why did the king reward the old man?
Questions to Make You Think
- Why do you think the falcon was so afraid to leave the branch at first?
- In this story, the branch is a "comfort zone." What could a "branch" be for a person?
- Was cutting the branch a kind thing to do? Why or why not?
Questions for Real Life
- What is something new you have been afraid to try? What is one small step you could take to try it?
- Think of a time you did something that scared you at first, but you were proud of yourself afterward.
- What are your "wings"? What is a special talent or skill you have that you can use to do great things?
🎨 Fun Activities
- Draw Your Wings: Draw a picture of yourself with magnificent wings. Write on the wings what your special talents are (e.g., "Good at drawing," "Kind friend," "Fast runner").
- The "New Branch" Challenge: This week, try one thing that is a "new branch" for you. It could be eating a new vegetable or talking to a new classmate.
- Build a Paper Airplane: Build a paper airplane and see how far it can fly. Experiment with different designs to see which one soars best.