The Girl and the Magical Hedgehog – A Turkish Fairy Tale about Kindness and Redemption

Brief Description: A Turkish folk tale about a girl who freed a magical hedgehog and helped him regain his original form. A story about how kindness and sincerity can change destinies and bring happiness.

In a village surrounded by forests, there lived a girl named Leyla. She was known for her kind heart and love for nature. Every day she worked in the fields, helping her family, and in her free time, she would wander through the forest, where she felt free and happy.

One day, while picking berries, she heard a faint rustling. Approaching, Leyla saw a hedgehog trapped in a hunter's net. Its spines were tangled, and its small eyes were filled with fear. The girl carefully freed the hedgehog, unafraid of its spines. She gently stroked it and said, "You’re free now. Don’t get caught in such traps again."

But instead of running away, the hedgehog suddenly spoke in a human voice: "Thank you for your kindness. You have saved me, but my salvation is tied to great trials. I am cursed, and only someone who helps me sincerely can lift the curse."

Leyla was initially frightened, but her curiosity overcame her fear. "How can I help you?" she asked. The hedgehog explained that he had to reach the summit of a distant mountain where a magical spring was located, but he couldn’t do it alone.

The girl agreed to help him. They journeyed through forests, crossed rivers, and avoided predators. Leyla shared her food with the hedgehog, protected him from danger, and never complained about her fatigue. Her care and patience warmed the hedgehog's heart.

Finally, they reached the summit of the mountain where the magical spring was. The hedgehog said, "Now you must take water from this spring and sprinkle it on me. Only then will the curse be broken."

Leyla did as the hedgehog instructed. As soon as the magical water touched him, he transformed before her eyes into a young man – handsome and tall. "You have freed me," he said. "Many years ago, I was a prince, but due to my pride and cruelty, I was cursed. Only a selfless act could break the spell."

The young man explained how his cruelty had led to the curse and how only Leyla, with her kindness, patience, and selflessness, could save him. "You deserve to be my queen," he said.

But Leyla smiled and replied: "I’m happy I helped you. But my place is here, in the village, with those I love."

The prince thanked her and returned to his kingdom to become a just and kind ruler. Leyla stayed in the village, but her story of kindness and sincerity spread throughout the region, inspiring others to do good deeds.

The Moral of the Story: This story teaches that good and sincere deeds can not only change the destinies of others but also fill our own lives with happiness.

Questions about the story:

• Why did Leyla decide to help the hedgehog despite her fears?
• What trials did she overcome in order to help him?
• What did the prince learn thanks to Leyla?