Long ago in India, there lived a beautiful bird called peacock who was well known for her big, colorful feathers.

Unfortunately, her looks did not make up for her spoiled and self-centered personality. Peacock was incredibly vain and only ever thought of herself, making many dislike her.

one of the animals, fox, disliked peacock more than the rest. he sought to trick her in order to humiliate her and put a stop to her constant boasting.

one day while peacock was admiring her reflection in a pond, fox approached her with a sly grin. He was a very cunning creature, which meant he could easily gain her trust in order to pull off his plan.

"Hello," said fox. "hello," said peacock, not looking up from her reflection. Noticing this, fox moved a bit closer. "those sure are some beautiful feathers you've got." at this, peacock immediately broke her gaze with the water and smiled. "what, these old things? Well, they are quite stunning, i suppose."

"you know," said fox, "I know a way you can make your feathers look even more lovely than they do now. It's a bit dangerous, but it would make you the prettiest bird in the jungle." Thinking for a moment, peacock frowned. "am i not already the prettiest?" fox shook his head. "i'm afraid that sunbird has beat you there," he sighed, pretending to be saddened by this and glancing up at the red-feathered sunbird.

as a prideful bird, peacock could not stand the thought of someone else being prettier than her. SHE was the one with the magnificent feathers! of course she had to find out how to make herself the best. "alright, fox. tell me the secret to becoming the actual prettiest bird in the jungle."

fox took peacock to a dark, gloomy part of the jungle and explained how she could make herself even more beautiful. "you must stay here and wait until you hear the wind rustle the leaves. when this happens, spin around three times and shout 'i am the one you seek!' then the spirits will hear you and answer any wish you have."