Once upon a time, there was a beautiful Himalayan forest where many species of animals and birds lived. Each species had their own king. A majestic and beautiful Golden Swan was the king of the birds.
A boon
The King of the birds had a beautiful daughter- a truly, lovely Swan Princess. The King loved her very much and wanted to give her a boon or a wish. When he told the Swan Princess about it she asked him for the boon of choosing her own husband.
The King sent a royal message to all the birds that the Swan Princess would choose her husband on a particular day and commanding all the birds to assemble at a large clearing.
There were many birds who wanted to be the beautiful Swan Princess’s husband and they all came to the clearing. A large number of beautiful swans stood at one side of the clearing. On the other side, were resplendent peacocks in all their finery. There were ducks and parrots dotted the trees. Numerous other birds were gathered in groups or singly to watch the Swan Princess choose her husband.
The animals too ringed the clearing as they wanted to see the Swan Princess choose her husband.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived.
The Golden Swan King, the Queen and the Princess walked to the centre of the clearing. Then, the Golden Swan King said to his daughter, ”Now, you may choose your husband”.
Choosing a husband
The Swan Princess walked among the birds gathered there . She walked slowly looking carefully at all the birds who caught her eye. Having gone among the birds once she turned around and walked among them a second time. When she had completed the second round she walked among the birds for the third time and chose her husband. She told her father whom she had chosen.
The Swan Princess had chosen a very beautiful peacock for her husband. His long neck glowed as if it was a blue sapphire. The other birds told him, “You are indeed lucky. The Swan Princess has chosen you for her husband”.
The peacock was very proud that he was chosen by the Swan Princess for her husband. He wanted to show everyone his splendour and spread his plumage. Then, he strutted to the centre of the clearing and started to dance.
The Swan King’s anger
The Golden Swan King was angry at the peacock’s showing off. He felt that the peacock’s behaviour in public was improper. He spoke sternly to the peacock.
“ Peacock, you are very beautiful but you do not know how to behave in public. You showed off and danced in public. This is not a gathering to dance in or display your body. I will not give my daughter to a bird who does not know how to behave in public”.
After saying this the Golden Swan King chose another beautiful swan as the husband of the Swan Princess. This swan was also a relative of the Golden Swan King.
The proud peacock hung his head in shame and slunk away.