From: Philippine Folk Tales
Author/Editor: Mabel Cook Cole
Published By: A.C. McClurg & Co., Chicago (1916)
Note: This story is of its time and should be read with that in mind
A hawk flying about in the sky one day decided that he would like to marry a hen whom he often saw on earth. He flew down and searched until he found her, and then asked her to become his wife. She at once gave her consent on the condition that he would wait until she could grow wings like his, so that she might also fly high. The hawk agreed to this and flew away, after giving her a ring as an engagement present and telling her to take good care of it.
The hen was very proud of the ring and placed it around her neck. The next day, however, she met the cock who looked at her in astonishment and said:
“Where did you get that ring? Do you not know that you promised to be my wife? You must not wear the ring of anyone else. Throw it away.”
And the hen threw away the beautiful ring.
Not long after this the hawk came down bringing beautiful feathers to dress the hen. When she saw him coming she was frightened and ran to hide behind the door, but the hawk called to her to come and see the beautiful dress he had brought her.
The hen came out, and the hawk at once saw that the ring was gone.
“Where is the ring I gave you?” he asked. “Why do you not wear it?”
The hen was frightened and ashamed to tell the truth so she answered:
“Oh, sir, yesterday when I was walking in the garden, I met a large snake and he frightened me so that I ran as fast as I could to the house. Then I missed the ring and I searched everywhere but could not find it.”
The hawk looked sharply at the hen, and he knew that she was deceiving him. Then he said to her:
“I did not believe that you could behave so badly. When you have found the ring I will come down again and make you my wife. But as a punishment for breaking your promise, you must always scratch the ground to look for the ring. And every chicken of yours that I find, I shall snatch away.”
Then he flew away, and ever since all the hens throughout the world have been scratching to find the hawk’s ring.
Contribute content to Playvolution HQ
Brought to you by Explorations Early Learning
Browse Trainings
Author
Jeff Johnson is an early learning trainer, podcaster, and author who founded Explorations Early Learning, Playvolution HQ, and Play Haven.
In-Person And Online Training
Learn how to book an in-person or online training for your organization on these early learning topics.
Support The Site
I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees
by linking to Amazon.com and affiliate sites.
Thanks To Our Patrons
This post was made possible by patrons like these, who generously fund our work:
Supporters
Lissadell Greene Stephanie Goloway
Lagina Kozak Michelle Hankins
Marie Messinger Tamara L. Lakin
Bertha Sayaloune
Fans
Jen Flemming Lizz Nolasco
Susan Warner Kelly Sigalove
Vittoria Jimerson Codee Gilbert
Monica Morrell Pam Soloman Melissa Franklin
Teresa Watson Erika Felt Autumn Peele
Melissa Taylor Jahmeela Robinson
Amber Maurina Terra Calamari Anne Jackson
Lagina Kozak Samantha Yeager-Cheevers
Elizebeth McCoy Sammy Cousens Ellen Cogan
Leave a Reply