Write Story on The Honest Woodcutter
Once upon a time, there lived a poor woodcutter in a small village near a dense forest. He earned his living by cutting wood and selling it in the market. Although he was poor, he was very hardworking, honest, and kind-hearted. Everyone in the village respected him because he never lied or cheated anyone.
Every morning, the woodcutter would wake up early, eat a simple meal, and go to the forest with his iron axe. He spent the entire day cutting trees and collecting wood. The money he earned was just enough to support his family, but he was always satisfied with what he had.
One day, while cutting a tree near a river, the woodcutter accidentally slipped. His axe flew out of his hands and fell into the deep water. The river was wide and its current was strong. The woodcutter looked into the water, but he could not see his axe.
“Oh no!” he cried. “My axe is gone. How will I earn money now? It is my only tool.”
The poor man sat by the riverbank and began to weep. He did not know how he would feed his family without his axe.
Hearing his cries, the river goddess appeared before him. She was dressed in shining clothes and had a gentle smile on her face.
“My son,” she said kindly, “why are you crying?”
The woodcutter bowed respectfully and replied, “Dear Goddess, I am a poor woodcutter. My iron axe fell into the river. Without it, I cannot work or support my family.”
The goddess felt sorry for him and said, “Do not worry. I will help you.”
She dived into the river and soon returned holding a beautiful golden axe.
“Is this your axe?” she asked.
The woodcutter looked at the golden axe and shook his head.
“No, Goddess,” he replied honestly. “That is not my axe. My axe is made of iron.”
The goddess smiled and went back into the river. This time she returned with a shining silver axe.
“Is this your axe?” she asked again.
The woodcutter looked carefully and said, “No, Goddess. This is not mine either. My axe is old and made of iron.”
The goddess was pleased with his honesty. She went into the river once more and brought back an iron axe.
The woodcutter’s face lit up with joy.
“Yes! That is my axe,” he exclaimed. “Thank you very much, Goddess.”
The river goddess was impressed by the man’s truthfulness. She said, “You are an honest and noble person. Many people would have claimed the golden or silver axe as their own. Because of your honesty, I will reward you.”
She handed him all three axes—the golden axe, the silver axe, and his iron axe.
The woodcutter was amazed. He thanked the goddess again and again and returned home happily. His family was delighted to hear the story. Soon, news of his reward spread throughout the village.
Among the villagers was a greedy man. When he heard what had happened, he decided to trick the goddess and get rich. The next day, he went to the same river and deliberately threw his axe into the water. Then he sat down and pretended to cry loudly.
The river goddess appeared and asked him why he was crying.
“My axe fell into the river,” he said.
The goddess dived into the water and returned with a golden axe.
“Is this your axe?” she asked.
The greedy man immediately replied, “Yes, yes! That is my axe.”
The goddess became angry because she knew he was lying.
“You are dishonest and greedy,” she said sternly. “You do not deserve any reward.”
She disappeared at once, taking the golden axe with her. The greedy man not only lost the golden axe but also his own axe. He returned home empty-handed and ashamed.
The honest woodcutter continued to live happily and earned the respect of everyone. His story became an example for generations, teaching people the importance of truth and honesty.
Moral of the Story: Honesty is the best policy. Truthfulness is always rewarded, while greed and dishonesty lead to loss and disappointment.