
The Two-Headed Crow
By SACHIN

29 Jul, 2023

Once upon a time in a thick, dense forest, lived a very peculiar crow. This was no ordinary crow; it had two heads. Yet, interestingly, it had only one stomach.

The crow lived by a big, glittering blue lake, full of fishes. It led a very content and happy life, thanks mainly to the forest’s abundant fruits and the lake's rich supply of fish.

Both heads could think and talk independently, though they shared the same body. This presented a unique yet harmonious living experience most of the time.

They would fly together, eat together, and rest together. They shared laughter, made decisions jointly, and even sang melodious songs together.

When one head found food, it would immediately call the other to share. This kind sharing approach, earned the crow respect from the other forest creatures.

One beautiful day, the first head found a shiny golden fruit under a tree. It was unlike any other fruit they had ever seen. It sparkled brightly under the sun, catching the crow's eye.

Excited, the first head said, "Look at this lustrous golden fruit I've found! It looks so delicious. Let's feast together!" The second head agreed eagerly, and they started eating the golden fruit.

As soon as they took a small bite, they could feel a tingling sensation spreading through their body. The fruit was absolutely delicious, and they enjoyed it with delight.

The next day, while flying over the same tree, the second head noticed another golden fruit hanging from a branch. Excitedly, it suggested they feast on this one too.

However, the first head refused. It remembered the sensation from the previous day and suggested they should not be greedy. But the second head was adamant and ate the fruit alone.

This was the first time they had eaten separately. This new dynamic created a strange feeling between them. Soon, the second head started feeling superior and began to boss the first head around.

It claimed that since it had eaten the golden fruit alone, it was more powerful and deserved to make decisions for both. The first head, however, didn't agree and resisted the change.

This led to frequent arguments and fights between them. The peaceful and harmonious nature they once enjoyed was replaced by bitterness and rivalry. Their unity was replaced by a sense of individuality.

One day, the second head spotted a hunter approaching. It devised a quick plan to teach the first head a lesson. It decided not to warn the first head about the approaching danger.

Unfortunately, the plan backfired. The hunter spotted the crow. He aimed and shot an arrow which hit the crow. It pierced the body they both shared.

The second head realised its mistake too late. They both suffered the consequences of its selfishness. The crow fell from the sky, its life extinguished because of vanity and greed.

Other forest creatures watched the fall of the two-headed crow in utter disbelief. They mourned the loss of the crow they once respected and learnt a valuable lesson from its tragic end.

Word of the crow's fall and the circumstances leading to it quickly spread throughout the forest. The story of the two-headed crow became a legend, a tale of caution against greed and vanity.

The crow's story served as a reminder that unity and harmony can bring joy, respect, and power. But when greed and individuality prevail, it can lead to downfall and disaster.

The forest creatures eventually moved on, but the memory of the crow stayed with them. Even today, when the forest is still and quiet, one can hear a faint echo of the crow's harmonious song.

The story of the two-headed crow is, thus, more than just a tale. It's a powerful life lesson about the importance of unity, the destructive nature of greed, and the dire consequences of vanity.

The golden fruit, the symbol of greed, was what tore the crow apart. It is crucial that we remember this tale and understand that selfish desires can lead to our downfall.

The two-headed crow could have continued to live happily if both heads had respected each other and maintained their mutual understanding. But alas, greed took over and ended their harmonious existence.

Today, the crow’s tale is passed down from generation to generation. It serves as a reminder that unity is strength, and greed and vanity are the routes to self-destruction.

So, let us remember the two-headed crow, not for its unique appearance, but for the invaluable lessons its tale bestowed. Unchecked greed can be the beginning of the end, and unity, a source of power and prosperity.