The Enlightenment of the Swallow

In the beginning of the tale, the Swallow (S) has not reached the same point of sacrifice and selflessness as the Prince (P). He will not sacrifice his travel for his love with the Reed and abondons her to commence his flight to Egypt. Moreover, he is arrogant and selfish, he says "I hope the town has made prepartions" to welcome him. Also, he criticizes the statue of the P by saying "what is the use of a statue if it cannot keep the rain off?". However,the S begins his metamorphosis after meeting the P, although at first he is reluctant to stay with him to fulfil the tasks. The S keep declaring that he must go on his journey to Egypt, which based on the description in the S' paradise. Unfortunately, it is predictable that the S's urgent attempts to move on with his journey will fail. He stays, night after night with the P, executing his orders in giving away the ruby, sapphires and the gold to those who need it.

The S achieves selfless transformation not from a moral perspective, but out of love and admiration for the P. The S is no longer the "natural and capricious egotist" but a compassionate and merciful being. When the statue of the HP stands shabby, grey and stripped of his wealth, the S does not abandon the P for his ugliness, but dedicates himself to stay with him always. With this the S is doomed because he will perish in the cold harsh winter. His character grows and develops with his attachment to the P.