Storytelling: The Peacock and Juno

Roberto, the rat, was tired of being hated by man and beast. He despised having to scamper in the shadows to hide his hideous face. He did not understand why people were so afraid of him. Sure he was scruffy and had a long tail, but so do most dogs. He was not slimy like a snake, nor did he have fangs. Maybe it was his taste for garbage that offended them. Did they not realize he was just trying to keep the kingdom clean?
One day, while rummaging through the garbage, he found an odd looking gravy boat. Loving gravy, he decided to open it. It was not too long after picking it up that it began to shake and spew smoke. From the smoke appeared a funny figure. Roberto recognized the figure right away, it was a genie. It must have been his lucky day, for we all know that a genie equals wishes. A bounding voice came out of the smoke “Hello there Rat! How may I help you? Would you like a free wish?” Roberto quickly accepted the genie’s offer and requested to be turned into the most magnificent creature that ever existed. “As you wish,” said the genie and Roberto was immediately transformed.
Roberto was very excited and asked the genie for a mirror. What he saw nearly made him faint. In place of his long grey tail was not one, but eight pristine plumes. The plumes shimmered like emeralds and sapphires in the sun. He was truly glorious. Even his strut had an air of regalness to it. He was no longer an ugly rat but a prestigious peacock, undeniably a prince among birds.
He was now admired by all living creatures and had his pick among the peahens. He loved his new feathery attire and would strut around showing it off. Men from all around the world would come to paint his portrait. The king had ordered that his likeness become the symbol of the royal court and that he be protected by the law. Roberto, now had everything he ever desired. He was no longer feared, but loved. He was no longer disgusting, but stunningly handsome.
Later, he grew tired of being admired only for his exquisite physique and wanted something more. He remembered hearing the romantic odes of the nightingales and envied their extraordinary voices. He then had an idea and went and retrieved the lamp. With a little rub and a spit shine he summoned the genie. “What do you want? I was trying to take a nap. Doesn’t anyone ring the doorbell anymore?” said the genie. Roberto answered, “I wish I had the voice of a nightingale.” The genie quickly quipped, “ You want a wish? I already granted your wish. Now go away.” Roberto was very confused. He was under the impression that all genies were required to grant three wishes. He was positive it was written in the Genie Handbook. “What do you mean you can’t fulfill my latest request? This is only my second wish and I should have three,” insisted Roberto. The genie grew angry and decided to teach Roberto a lesson. Poof! Roberto was promptly returned to his original rat form.
Moral: Greed is ugly. You can't always have everything.



Image Information: The Rat finds A Genie
Picture drawn by: Gina Smith

Link to the original story: The Peacock and Juno
Author’s Note: I changed the characters and embellished the overall story. I changed the peacock to a rat (who later turns into a peacock) and Juno into a genie. The basic premise is the same and the morals are very similar.