The [Horned] Owl

Name: The [Horned] Owl
Author: Basil Hall Chamberlain

A young man named John is out for a walk when he comes across an owl with horns. The owl speaks to him in a human voice and tells him that it has been sent to take him to a far-off land. John is skeptical at first, but the owl convinces him to come along. They fly through the air until they reach a beautiful, untouched land filled with strange creatures and plants. The owl tells John that this is the land of the gods, and he must prove himself worthy to stay there. John faces various challenges and tests, but ultimately succeeds in proving his worth. He is granted immortality and lives in the land of the gods for eternity.

By Basil Hall Chamberlain · First published 1906 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fiction, Animal Fiction · 152 words

First lines

There are six owls, brethren. The eldest of them is only a little bigger than a sparrow. When perching on a tree, it balances itself backwards, for which reason it is called "The Faller Backwards." The youngest of the six has a very large body. It is a bird which brings great luck. If anyone walks beneath this bird, and there comes the sound of rain falling on him, it is a very lucky thing. Such a man will become very rich. For this reason the youngest of the six owls is called "Mr. Owl."

[The rain here mentioned is supposed to be a rain of gold from the owl's eyes.]

(Translated literally. Told by Penri, 16th July, 1886.)

What this Textopian page supports

The [Horned] Owl is listed on Textopian as a short story by Basil Hall Chamberlain, dated 1906 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Basil Hall Chamberlain
Date: 1906 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Fiction, Animal Fiction, Adventure
Length: 152 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for The [Horned] Owl by Basil Hall Chamberlain
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The book is a children's tale featuring an owl as the main character, making it a piece of children's literature.
Fiction — The story is about human-like characteristics and experiences, attributing it to the fiction genre.
Animal Fiction — The main character of the story is an animal, classifying the book as animal fiction.
Adventure — The owl goes on various adventures which classes the book under the adventure genre.