The Peacock's Pride

    By Akshar Parmar

    The Peacock's Pride cover image

    05 Jun, 2024

    a painting of two birds sitting on a branch in a jungle with flowers and butterflies around them, with a butterfly in the background, psychedelic art, a detailed painting, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    Once upon a time in Verdantia, the Peacocks were known for their stunning plumage and graceful dances, admired by all the other creatures.

    a woman in a green dress holding a peacock in her hand and a peacock on her shoulder, with a tree in the background, fantasy art, a detailed painting, Art of Brom, highly detailed digital painting

    One sunny morning, Prisha, a young Peacock, declared during their annual Peacock Parade, 'We Peacocks are the most beautiful and superior of all creatures in Verdantia. Why should we share our land with lesser animals?'

    a painting of two peacocks in a forest with trees and berries on the ground and a bird on the ground, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    The news of the Peacocks' decision spread quickly. The Monkeys, who used to swing from tree to tree collecting fruits, now faced the task alone. The Elephants found themselves in peril without the Peacocks' keen eyes to spot dangers.

    a painting of a group of peacocks in a forest with flowers and trees in the background, with a bird on the left side of the image, psychedelic art, an art deco painting, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    The Peacocks, too, faced unexpected challenges. Without the Elephants to clear paths, the thick underbrush became difficult to navigate. Fewer fruits were gathered without the help of the Monkeys, and dangers increased without communal watch.

    a painting of two peacocks in a forest with a waterfall in the background and a dark sky with clouds, fantasy art, a comic book panel, Dan Mumford, josan gonzales and dan mumford

    One day, a terrible storm struck Verdantia. Trees were uprooted, and the river overflowed its banks, flooding the Peacocks' territory.

    a painting of two peacocks in a forest with elephants in the background and birds in the foreground, primitivism, an illustration of, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    Unable to fend for themselves, the Peacocks realized their mistake. Their pride had isolated them from the friends they needed the most. In desperation, Prisha approached the Elephants, begging for their help.

    a girl standing in front of two peacocks in a forest with animals around her and a tree with flowers, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Asaf Hanuka, storybook illustration

    The Elephants, though hurt by the Peacocks' previous arrogance, chose to forgive. They, along with other animals, worked together to rescue the Peacocks and rebuild their homes.

    a painting of a group of peacocks in a forest with flowers and trees in the background, with a yellow sky, psychedelic art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    From that day forward, the Peacocks abandoned their pride and embraced their neighbors once more. They worked side by side with all the creatures of Verdantia, understanding that each had unique gifts that made their community stronger and more resilient.

    a painting of two peacocks in a forest with oranges and trees in the background and a dog in the foreground, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    The Peacocks learned a valuable lesson about pride, superiority, and the importance of togetherness. They were no longer the most beautiful creatures in Verdantia, but they were the most humble.

    a painting of a forest with deer and a stream of water in the foreground and a sun in the background, environmental art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, rossdraws global illumination

    Moral of the Story: True strength and beauty lie in unity and cooperation. No creature is superior to another, for each has a unique role in the fabric of life. Nationalism and pride can blind us to the value of others, but humility and togetherness lead to harmony and mutual prosperity.