As is often the case with these stories of political intrigue and a
despotic greed for power, the wren took his crown through treachery and
deceit. In this case, the birds all gathered to choose a king, and wise
Owl was selected to moderate the selection. It was decreed that the bird
who could fly the
highest would bear the crown.
Well, mighty Eagle was the obvious favourite in this competition, and sure 'tis true he beat his strong wings and soared far above the other birds. When he had flown high enough to secure the crown, he started to descend, but it was at this moment the clever Wren, hiding beneath Eagle's wing, flew out from his place of concealment and flew higher still!
Eagle gave a cry of rage, but he was too tired by this time to pursue
the
well-rested Wren. And so the Owl decided that the Wren had won the
crown.
Tom Rhymer
Boys would hunt a wren, which symbolised the old year, & then carry it round on a "throne" from house to house asking for food & drink.
Tom Rhymer
Bear in mind that this "throne" actually meant nailing the wee bird to a big stick and parading it around thusly. In these more enlightened days, that part of the custom is usually skipped.
Web Witch
The wran,the wran,king of all birds,
St. Stephen's day was cot in the furze
Although he is little his family's grate,
Put yer hand in yer pocket and give us a trate.
Sing holly,sing ivy-sing ivy,sing holly,
A drop ust to drink it would drown melancholy
And if you dhraw it ov the best,
I hope in heven yer sowl will rest,
But if you dhraw it ov the small
It won't agree wid de wran boys at all!...............
GETORIX
Rix
Posted by sheylara on December 19, 1997 at 15:24:10: In Reply to: The Wren's Lesson posted by Ceridwen on December 19, 1997 at 10:05:13: could it be that the owl was wrong.... could deceit deceive a wise owl? Is this the story of how things really work even now a days? that perhaps those who we think wise, pehaps are not so... I bealive it should of been the whole kingdom of birds who decided and the most just should of won... and perhaps those we think are just and honorable trust too much . therefore decived in their own naiveness.... perhaps it is a lesson after all.
sheylara