The Raven and the Swan

    By Eugene

    The Raven and the Swan cover image

    10 May, 2024

    a black bird sitting on a branch in a forest next to a lake and trees with a sun in the background, environmental art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, josan gonzales and dan mumford

    Tom the Raven was known for his jet-black feathers that shimmered in the sunlight. He lived peacefully in the woods, enjoying the bounty of nature.

    two birds are standing in the water near the trees and plants, one is black and the other is white, naturalism, an illustration of, Brothers Hildebrandt, birds

    One day, he saw Kate the Swan. Her white feathers were in stark contrast to his black ones. Tom started to feel envious, wishing his feathers could be as pure and white as Kate's.

    two black birds sitting on a pond with lily pads and trees in the background and a pond with lily pads and ducks, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, highly detailed digital painting

    Tom, overcome by his envy, decided to leave his woodland home and move to the lake where Kate lived. He believed that by living like Kate, his feathers would turn white.

    a black bird sitting on a rock in a pond of water with lily pads and trees in the background, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, highly detailed digital painting

    He started to swim and dive all day, just like Kate. He even began eating the water weeds and plants that grew in the lake, hoping it would change his color.

    a black bird is sitting on the edge of a pond with lily pads and reeds in the foreground, environmental art, a comic book panel, Dan Mumford, laurie greasley

    Despite all his efforts, Tom's feathers remained as black as ever. The water weeds he ate did not agree with him, causing his health to deteriorate.

    a black bird sitting on a rock in a pond of water with reeds and trees in the background, gothic art, a comic book panel, Dan Mumford, laurie greasley

    He spent his days washing and cleaning his feathers, almost drowning himself in the process. But no matter what he did, his feathers refused to change.

    a black bird sitting on top of a rock in a lake next to a forest filled with birds flying, gothic art, poster art, Dan Mumford, comic cover art

    Tom was getting thinner and weaker by the day. His strength was fading, and he struggled to keep himself afloat in the water.

    a couple of people standing next to a lake with swans on it and a man in a coat looking at them, serial art, a storybook illustration, Clarice Beckett, cliff chiang

    Kate, noticing Tom's condition, tried to help him. But Tom, in his stubbornness to become like her, continued his futile efforts.

    a black bird sitting on a rock near a lake and mountains with a full moon in the sky above, serial art, a comic book panel, Dan Mumford, comic cover art

    Days passed, and Tom became weaker. His once shiny black feathers now looked dull, and his eyes lacked their usual spark.

    a black bird sitting on a rock near a lake and forest at sunset with a full moon in the sky, gothic art, poster art, Dan Mumford, laurie greasley

    His attempts to change himself had taken a toll on his health. The once lively raven was now a mere shadow of his former self.

    a black bird sitting on a log in a forest with trees and leaves on the ground and a path leading to it, serial art, poster art, Dan Mumford, laurie greasley

    Eventually, Tom's body could no longer bear the strain. His efforts to change his natural self had led him down a path of self-destruction.

    a black bird sitting on a branch in a forest with a full moon in the background and a full moon in the sky, gothic art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, comic cover art

    In the end, Tom's foolish envy cost him his life. He left behind a lesson for all, to embrace and cherish our own unique qualities, instead of envying others'.