The Enmity Between Crows and Owls
Long ago, in a dense forest filled with towering trees and hidden caves, there lived two groups of birds—the clever crows and the silent owls. Both were intelligent in their own ways, but their habits were very different. The crows were active during the day, while the owls ruled the night.
At first, both groups lived separately without disturbing each other. The crows built their nests on the high branches of trees, while the owls stayed inside dark caves and hollow trunks. However, their peaceful existence did not last forever.
One day, the owls decided that they wanted to rule the forest. “We are powerful and wise,” said their leader, Arimard. “Why should we share this forest with the crows? We should be the only rulers.”
The owls began attacking the crows at night when they were asleep. Many crows were injured, and some even lost their lives. The crows were frightened and confused because they could not see well in the dark.
The crow king, Meghvarn, called a meeting. “We must find a way to protect ourselves,” he said. “We cannot fight them at night, but we must not give up.”
Among the crows was a wise and cunning advisor named Kaal. He said, “We may not be stronger than the owls at night, but we can defeat them using intelligence and planning.”
The other crows listened carefully. “What is your plan?” they asked.
Kaal replied, “I will pretend to betray you and join the owls. I will gain their trust and learn their secrets. Then, I will help you defeat them.”
Although the plan was risky, the crow king agreed. The next day, Kaal flew to the owls’ cave and pretended to be injured.
When the owls saw him, they were suspicious. “Why are you here?” they asked.
Kaal spoke in a weak voice, “I have been insulted and thrown out by my own king. I hate the crows now and want to join you. I can help you defeat them.”
The owl king Arimard considered this carefully. Some owls warned him, “Do not trust him. He may be spying on us.”
But Arimard was proud and overconfident. “He is weak and alone,” he said. “What harm can he do? Let him stay.”
Kaal was allowed to stay near the entrance of the cave. He quietly observed everything—the structure of the cave, the sleeping positions of the owls, and the time when they were most vulnerable.
After a few days, Kaal secretly flew back to the crows and shared his plan. “During the day, the owls sleep deep inside the cave. That is the best time to attack. We will gather dry leaves and sticks and set them on fire at the entrance.”
The crows agreed. The next day, when the sun was high and the owls were fast asleep, the crows collected dry leaves, twigs, and small branches. They flew to the entrance of the cave and piled them up.
Then, they set the pile on fire. Thick smoke filled the cave, and the flames blocked the exit.
The owls woke up in panic. They tried to escape, but the fire and smoke trapped them inside. Unable to see clearly in the daylight and confused by the smoke, many owls were defeated.
Only a few managed to escape, flying far away from the forest. The crow king and his followers celebrated their victory.
Kaal returned safely and was praised for his intelligence and bravery. “You have saved us all,” said Meghvarn. “Your wisdom has defeated our enemies.”
From that day on, the crows lived peacefully without fear of the owls. However, the surviving owls never forgot what had happened.
They carried a deep grudge against the crows, and thus began the long-lasting enmity between the two species. Even today, it is said that crows and owls do not trust each other and remain enemies.
The story became famous throughout the forest as a lesson in intelligence, strategy, and the dangers of arrogance.
Intelligence and strategy can defeat even the strongest enemies, while arrogance and overconfidence can lead to downfall.