The Gifts of the Wind – A German Folk Tale about Kindness and Magical Rewards

Brief Description:

The Gifts of the Wind is a German folk tale about a boy who helps nature and, for his efforts, receives magical gifts from the wind. The story teaches that good deeds are always rewarded.

In a small village at the edge of vast fields lived a boy named Lukas. He was kind and helpful, always ready to assist others. He often wandered through the fields, listening to the wind that gently tousled his hair. Lukas felt as though the wind was his friend.

One day, while walking through the field, Lukas heard a voice that seemed like a whisper from the wind: — Lukas, I need your help. The boy looked around but saw no one. He asked: — Who are you? — I am the wind, — replied the voice. — Every day I fly over the fields and trees, but sometimes I have trouble. If you help me, I will give you a gift that will change your life.

Lukas was a little confused, but agreed: — Alright, wind. Tell me what I need to do. The wind whispered to him: — At the edge of the field, there is an old oak tree. Its branches have dropped so low that I can no longer fly freely through them. Free it.

Lukas took a saw and an axe and headed towards the oak. He carefully cut off the dead branches, cleared away the excess twigs, and gathered the fallen leaves. When the tree straightened up again, the wind gratefully passed through its crown. — You have done a good deed. Here is your first gift, — said the wind. And in front of the boy appeared a bucket filled with fresh milk and bread. Lukas took it home, and his family was overjoyed with the gift.

The next day, the wind spoke to the boy again: — Lukas, I have another request. On the road to the village, there are many stones that block the way for people and animals. Clear the road, and I will reward you again. Lukas took a shovel and began to remove the stones from the road. It took him the whole day, but when he was done, the path was smooth and safe. The wind appeared again and said: — You have earned this. Here is your second gift. This time, the wind left a basket of seeds. Lukas’ family planted them, and soon wheat grew in the field, yielding a bountiful harvest.

On the third day, the wind asked Lukas to repair a bridge over a stream that had been damaged by a storm. The boy eagerly set to work. He strengthened the supports, laid down new boards, and made the bridge even better than before. When the bridge was finished, the wind joyfully swirled around the boy. — Now I will give you my most precious gift, — it said. — This flute will bring you happiness. When you play it, it will make not only you happy but everyone around you.

From that day on, Lukas became well-known in his village. He played the flute, and its melodies filled the hearts of the people with joy and peace. But most importantly, he understood that the true value wasn’t in the gifts, but in the good deeds that make the world a better place.

The Moral of the Story:

The tale teaches that caring for nature and for others is always rewarded with goodness. Honest work and sincere actions fill life with magic.

Questions for Children:

1. Why did the wind ask Lukas for help?
2. What tasks did the boy perform for the wind?
3. What lesson does this story teach us?