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Aesop's Fables · Chapter

The Swan explained

A man buys a Swan expecting it to sing on command, but it only sings when it knows it is about to die.

What happens

A man buys a Swan expecting it to sing on command, but it only sings when it knows it is about to die. The owner regrets not killing it sooner, revealing a misunderstanding of the Swan's nature.

Themes in this chapter

  • Wisdom and Foolishness

    The man's foolishness lies in expecting the Swan to sing on command, ignoring its true nature.

  • Appearance vs. Reality

    The Swan's silent appearance belies its true gift, which only emerges in death.

Characters to notice

  • The Swan

    Sings only once, at the approach of death, producing a sweet, sad song.

  • The Man

    Buys the Swan expecting entertainment, but fails to understand its nature and regrets not wringing its neck.

Key passages

  • “The Swan is said to sing but once in its life—when it knows that it is about to die.”

    The Swan reportedly sings only a single time, at the moment it realizes death is near.

    Introduces the central premise of the fable.

  • “If the creature only sings when it is about to die, what a fool I was that day I wanted to hear its song! I ought to have wrung its neck instead of merely inviting it to sing.”

    The man laments his earlier request, realizing he should have killed the Swan to hear its song.

    Reveals the owner's regret and his misguided understanding of the Swan's nature.

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