# The Swan explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-swan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters