# The Bittern and the Hoopoe explained — Household Tales

> Chapter companion for Household Tales by Jacob Grimm.

## What happens

A man asks an old cowherd where he prefers to feed his flocks, and the cowherd explains that the grass must be neither too rich nor too poor. He then tells a story about the bittern and the hoopoe, who were once shepherds. The bittern pastured his cows on rich meadows, making them wild and unmanageable, while the hoopoe grazed his on barren hills, leaving them weak. Neither could gather their herds at evening, and their calls persist to this day as a lesson about moderation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Virtue Rewarded and Vice Punished

The bittern and hoopoe's lack of moderation in grazing leads to their failure as shepherds, and they are forever cursed to cry out in vain.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The old cowherd who tells the story to the man.

### Unknown

The man who asks the cowherd about his feeding grounds.

## Key lines

> Where do you like best to feed your flocks?

What is your preferred place to graze your herds?

_The man initiates the conversation with the cowherd._

> Here, sir, where the grass is neither too rich nor too poor, or else it is no use.

Right here, where the grass is balanced—not too lush and not too sparse—otherwise it's worthless.

_The cowherd explains the importance of moderation in grazing._

> That is the way when one has no moderation.

That is what happens when someone lacks balance.

_The moral of the story, emphasizing the consequences of extremism._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/household_tales_se/chapters/the-bittern-and-the-hoopoe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/household_tales_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/household_tales_se/chapters