Once upon a time
The Blind Vulture
Panchatantra · retold for families
About 4 min read aloud · For grown-ups and children together
An old blind vulture lived in a hollow tree. Birds left him scraps; in return he guarded their chicks while they flew for food.
A cat arrived, purring. “I too am lonely,” she said. The vulture, kind but cautious, allowed her to rest at the foot of the tree — not near the nest.
Each day the cat crept higher. One morning feathers lay scattered. The cat had eaten the chicks.
The birds mourned. The vulture wept for trusting too far. “I could not see,” he said, “but I could still set rules.”
New nests moved to other trees, yet the story remains: hospitality is good; sharp boundaries keep it safe.
Classic tale retold by IRA Creations for screen-free bedtime. After the story, try a quiet craft — our painting kits or free colouring sheets.