The Eagle and the Beetle story
The story of the feud between the eagle and the beetle is one of Aesop's Fables and often referred to in Classical times. It is numbered 3 in the Perry Index and the episode became proverbial. Although different in detail, it can be compared to the fable of The Eagle and the Fox. In both cases the eagle believes itself safe from retribution for an act of violence and is punished by the destruction of its young.
3 total · 2 major · 1 minor
| Theme | Level | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| hospitality | major | The eagle broke the custom of hospitality and was therefore hounded by the beetle and chastised by Zeus. |
| the desire for vengeance | major | The Beetle sought to avenge itself on the eagle. |
| organized religion | minor | The eagle was said to have slighted Zeus when it broke the custom of hospitality despite entreaties in Zeus' name. |