Discover the detailed summary of The Swan and the Princess – a heart-touching story from Class 8 English that highlights compassion, justice, and childhood wisdom. Perfect for exam preparation and understanding key moral lessons.
The Swan And the Princess Class 8th Summary in English
Summary of The Swan And the Princess Class 8th
Introduction
This poem is presented in the form of a folktale, which is related to the childhood of Gautam Buddha. In this, we see how Siddhartha (Buddha’s childhood name) was filled with compassion, kindness and a sense of justice in his childhood. This poem is not only a beautiful story but also teaches children the lesson of benevolence, value sense, and empathy.
Summary of the Poem
The poem begins with a calm and lush garden where Prince Siddhartha is walking with his friends. Then a white swan is seen flying in the sky. Suddenly, an arrow flies and injures that innocent swan. The swan falls down fluttering.
Prince Siddhartha is shocked to see this scene and immediately picks up the injured swan in his lap. He caresses it lovingly, applies ointment on its wound and gives it water to drink. This scene is filled with immense compassion and affection.
Question of justice – Whose swan is this?
After some time, his cousin Devadatta comes there and says that he has killed this swan, so it is his. Devadatta was of a hunter nature, while Siddhartha was a calm, kind and sensitive child.
An important question arises here – Whose is the injured swan?
Devadatta says that he has the right over the swan because he has killed it. At the same time, Siddhartha says that the right over a living being should be of the one who wants to give it life, not the one who wants its end.
Decision in the royal court – Victory of compassion
This dispute escalates so much that it is taken to the royal court. Both the princes put forth their views in front of the king, ministers and scholars. Siddhartha says with great courage and sensitivity –
“Killing a living being is a sin. No one can be the owner of the living being he has killed. If someone gives life to someone, then he is the true owner.”
The king and all the courtiers are very impressed by Siddhartha’s words and give the decision in his favor. The injured swan is handed over to Siddhartha. This decision becomes a symbol of the victory of justice and compassion.
Key messages from the poem
1. Kindness and compassion is the greatest religion:
Siddhartha showed that it is wrong to be cruel to any living being. We should be kind and sensitive towards all creatures.
2. It is important to say the right thing with courage:
Although Siddhartha was a child, he fearlessly put his point in front of the entire court to protect truth and justice.
3. True heroes are those who save, not those who kill:
Devdutta may have been ahead in the use of force, but Siddhartha’s moral strength and emotional understanding were much greater.
4. Have a loving relationship with nature and creatures:
This poem also teaches us that it is very important to maintain balance and co-existence between humans and nature.
Emotional Aspect – Why this poem touches the heart
This poem depicts the touching decision of an innocent child. When Siddhartha saves the injured swan, the scene becomes a symbol of not just compassion, but also true leadership and spiritual growth.
The swan is not just a bird, but a symbol of an innocent life – and Siddhartha is the consciousness that fights to protect that life. The poem attempts to teach children that it is important to differentiate between right and wrong – and more importantly, to stand up for what is right.
Conclusion – Heartwarming Lessons
“The Swan and the Princess” is not just a children’s story, it is a value-based life philosophy. This poem shows that a true prince is not one who shows strength, but one who is full of compassion, wisdom and sensitivity.
This decision of Siddhartha is later seen in every aspect of his life, when he becomes Gautam Buddha and spreads the message of peace and compassion to the entire humanity.
Summary of the poem
The swan is injured – Siddhartha saves it.
Devadutta claims the swan – there is a dispute.
There is talk of justice in the royal court.
Siddhartha sets an example of compassion.
The ownership of the swan is given to him.
Ultimately compassion and truth prevail.
हिन्दी 
English