Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Peacock and Juno explained
The Peacock, discontented with his voice, complains to Juno that he lacks the nightingale's song.
What happens
The Peacock, discontented with his voice, complains to Juno that he lacks the nightingale's song. Juno reminds him of his exceptional beauty and the gifts allotted by Fate, but the Peacock remains unsatisfied. Juno sternly warns him to cease his complaints, as granting his wish would only lead to further discontent.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Folly
The Peacock's pride in beauty is overshadowed by his folly in envying the nightingale's song, leading to discontent.
Wisdom and Foolishness
Juno's wise counsel contrasts with the Peacock's foolish inability to appreciate his own gifts.
Characters to notice
- The Peacock
Complains to Juno about his lack of a beautiful voice, despite being consoled about his beauty.
- Juno
The goddess who consoles the Peacock but ultimately rebukes him for his dissatisfaction with his allotted gifts.
- The Nightingale
Mentioned as the bird whose song is envied by the Peacock.
- The Eagle
Mentioned by Juno as an example of a creature allotted strength by Fate.
Key passages
“The nightingale's song is the envy of all the birds; but whenever I utter a sound I become a laughingstock.”
The Peacock laments that while the nightingale's singing is admired by every bird, his own voice makes him a target of ridicule.
Expresses the Peacock's central grievance about his voice.
“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.”
Juno explains that each creature receives unique gifts from Fate, and the Peacock is the only one unhappy with what he has been given.
Juno's moral lesson about accepting one's lot.