The Forest Berry – An English Folk Tale about Kindness and Happiness
An English folk tale about a boy who helped creatures in the forest and was rewarded with a magical berry. It brought happiness to his family and the entire village.
Summary: This English folk tale tells how a boy helped forest creatures and, through his kindness and generosity, was given a magical berry. It brought joy and prosperity to his family and the entire village. The story teaches us that good deeds are always rewarded.
Long ago, at the edge of a great forest, lived a poor boy named Tommy with his family. They were close-knit but often suffered from hunger and hardship due to failed crops. To help his mother, Tommy went into the forest every day to gather berries and mushrooms. One morning, as dew still sparkled on the leaves, Tommy ventured deeper into the forest than ever before.
Walking along a narrow path, Tommy heard a faint moan. Looking closer, he saw a hare trapped in an old, rusty snare. Tommy knelt beside the creature and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll help you.” Carefully, he freed the hare and wrapped its injured paw with a strip of his shirt. “Now run along and be more careful,” he said. The hare hopped away but paused to look back at Tommy with a gaze that seemed to say something more.
As Tommy continued, he came to a small brook. Near the water lay a bird with wet wings. “Did you fall into the water? Let me help you dry off,” Tommy said. Gently, he placed the bird on a sunny rock so it could dry. The bird chirped softly, as if to thank him, before flying away.
A little farther on, Tommy noticed a dense bush blocking the path. As he tried to push through, a bright glow caught his eye. It was a single berry hanging on a branch, shimmering like a drop of gold. Tommy stepped closer but hesitated to pick it. Suddenly, the hare he had rescued appeared, but this time it looked different—its fur glowed, and its eyes sparkled like stars.
“Tommy, you have helped me and other forest creatures. This berry is your reward for your kindness. It will bring happiness to you and your family, but remember: its magic works only for those who share their blessings,” said the hare before vanishing. Tommy carefully plucked the berry and headed home.
At home, his mother was astonished. “Where did you find such a berry?” she asked. Tommy told her about his adventure, and she suggested cutting the berry to share it. As soon as the knife touched its skin, the berry glowed brightly, filling the house with warm light. On the table appeared fresh bread, fine dishes, and warm blankets for the family. Tommy and his mother looked at the miracle with grateful hearts.
The next day, Tommy took some of the food to the village to share with his neighbors. People asked, “How is this possible?” But Tommy only smiled and said, “The forest helped me, and now I’m helping you.” From that day on, his family never went hungry again, and Tommy became known throughout the village as a kind and generous boy.
Moral of the Story: This English folk tale teaches us that kindness and generosity are always rewarded. True magic lies in our actions and intentions.
Questions for Discussion:
- Why did Tommy help the animals in the forest, even though he didn’t expect a reward?
- How did the magical berry change his family’s and the village’s lives?
- What lessons does this story teach about kindness and caring for others?
What's Your Reaction?
