In a farmyard, swallows prepare to migrate south as autumn approaches. A hen, inspired by their journey, expresses her desire to travel south as well. As the seasons change, the swallows return, and the poultry discuss the hen's ambition. One day, the swallows take flight, feeling the call of the south, leaving behind the farm and venturing into the vastness of the sea and distant lands. The hen, emboldened by the swallows' departure, decides to explore beyond the confines of the poultry yard. She runs along the road, discovering a garden filled with beautiful roses and a gardener. Upon her return, she excitedly shares her adventure with the other poultry, describing the wonders she encountered, including the bustling world beyond their farm. The poultry listen with interest, but they remain skeptical about the existence of a sea in the south, dismissing the hen's experiences. As winter passes and spring arrives, the swallows recount their travels, but the poultry continue to doubt, fixated on their own limited understanding of the world. The hen's yearning for adventure contrasts with the complacency of the other poultry, highlighting themes of exploration, curiosity, and the tension between the desire for freedom and the comfort of familiarity. The narrative explores the idea that not all creatures are content to remain in their established roles, and some will seek out new experiences, even if others do not believe in their dreams. The hen's journey symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge and the courage to venture into the unknown, while the swallows represent the fulfillment of that quest. Ultimately, the story reflects on the nature of belief, the value of exploration, and the differing perspectives on what constitutes a meaningful existence.
By Lord Dunsany · First published 1917 · Genre: Fantasy, Fable, Literary Fiction