The Old Woman in the Wood
Once upon a time, there was a poor servant girl who was travelling with the family she worked for through a great forest. Suddenly, robbers emerged from the thicket and attacked them. The girl was terrified and jumped out of the carriage, hiding behind a tree while the robbers took everything from her companions.
When it was safe again, she came out from her hiding place and saw that all her companions had perished. Overcome with sorrow, she cried out, “What can a poor girl like me do now? I do not know how to escape this dark forest; no human lives here, so I must certainly starve!”
Desperate and alone, she wandered through the woods searching for a way out but found none. As evening fell, she sat down under a tree and prayed for help, deciding to stay there until dawn.
After some time, a little white dove flew down to her with a tiny golden key in its beak. It dropped the key into her hand and said, “Do you see that large tree over there? There is a small lock on it. Use this key to open it, and you will find food enough to satisfy your hunger.”
Grateful for this guidance, she hurried to the tree and unlocked it. Inside, she found milk in a little bowl and fresh bread to eat. After satisfying her hunger, she felt tired and wished for a place to rest.
Once again, the dove returned with another golden key. “Open that tree,” it instructed, “and you will find a bed.” She followed its advice and discovered a beautiful bed inside where she could sleep peacefully.
The next morning, the dove came once more with yet another key. “Open that tree,” it said again, “and you will find clothes.” When she opened it this time, she found splendid garments adorned with gold and jewels.
Feeling grateful for all she had received from the dove’s guidance, she decided to return home. As she walked back through the forest wearing her new clothes, she encountered an old woman sitting by a fire inside a small house.
“Good day!” greeted the old woman warmly. “What brings you here?”
“I have been lost in this forest,” replied the girl. “But thanks to my little dove friend, I have found food, shelter, and clothing.”
The old woman smiled knowingly. “You have been blessed by kindness because you showed kindness yourself.”
Suddenly, as if by magic, the old woman transformed into a beautiful fairy. “I am here to reward your bravery and compassion,” she said. “You have proven yourself worthy.”
With that, she waved her hand over the girl’s head and granted her wishes: riches beyond measure and happiness for all her days.
Moral Of The Story
“Kindness can lead to unexpected rewards.” This story teaches us that bravery and compassion can open doors to new opportunities we never imagined.
