The Forest Cottage – A German Folk Tale about Kindness and Helping Animals
The German folk tale "The Forest Cottage" tells the story of a kind girl who helps woodland animals and receives magical gifts in return that change her life for the better.
Brief Description:
The Forest Cottage is a German folk tale about a kind girl who helps woodland animals. For her care and kindness, she receives magical gifts that change her life for the better.
Once upon a time, there was a little girl who was kind and helpful. One day, she set out through a dense forest to visit her sick grandmother. The day was coming to an end, and the forest was growing darker. On her way, the girl noticed an unusual cottage that seemed abandoned. Tired from the journey, she decided to stop for the night and knocked on the door.
The door opened, and the girl found herself in a cozy, but empty room. On the table was a plate of bread and a jug of milk. Hungry, the girl was about to eat, but before she could, woodland animals entered the cottage: an old wolf, a wounded deer, and a small bird with an injured wing.
— You must be hungry like us, – said the wolf. – But we have no food. If you share with us, we will be very grateful.
The girl immediately shared the bread and milk with the animals. The wolf, deer, and bird thanked her and stayed to sleep in the cottage. The girl made them comfortable on soft hay and laid down herself in a corner on the floor.
The next morning, when the girl woke up, the cottage was glowing with magical light. The animals, who had been hungry and injured the day before, now looked healthy and happy. The wolf, who turned out to be the magical guardian of the forest, said: — You have proven that you have a kind heart. We want to thank you. You deserve the best gifts.
The deer approached the girl and said: — When you return home, you will find magical fruits in your basket, which will bring health to your grandmother and joy to your whole family.
The bird added: — And you will find a sparkling key. This key will open a chest full of treasures that will change your life.
The girl said goodbye to the animals, and they walked with her to the path. When she got home, she found the fruits and the sparkling key in her basket. The fruits truly helped her grandmother recover, and the key opened an old chest that contained gold coins and jewels. The girl and her family never again knew poverty, and her kindness became an example for everyone.
The Moral of the Story:
The tale teaches that kindness and the willingness to help, even in difficult situations, are always richly rewarded. Caring for others makes the world a better place.
Questions for Children:
- Why did the girl share her food with the animals?
- What gifts did she receive from the woodland animals?
- What lesson does this story teach us?
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