The Girl from the Moon – A Turkish Fairy Tale about Love, Trials, and Devotion

Short Description: A Turkish fairy tale about a young shepherd who meets a girl from the moon and agrees to undergo difficult trials to earn her love. A story about overcoming challenges, devotion, and the power of sincere feelings.

Once upon a time, at the foot of a high mountain, lived a shepherd named Omar. He was kind and hardworking, but every evening, as he sat by the fire, he dreamed of something more. "If only I could find someone to love with all my heart," he would say, gazing at the bright moon.

One night, when the moon shone especially brightly, something amazing happened. From its light appeared a girl. She was so beautiful that Omar couldn't take his eyes off her. Her silvery hair sparkled like stars, and her voice sounded like the melody of the wind.

"Who are you?" he asked. The girl replied, "I have come from the moon because you called me with your sincere wishes. But know that happiness and love require effort. If you truly want to be with me, you must undergo three trials."

Omar, enchanted by her words, agreed. "What must I do?" he asked. The girl smiled, "Tomorrow you will know. But remember: the trials will test your patience, kindness, and loyalty."

--- ### **First Trial: Patience**

The next morning, as Omar tended his sheep, a fierce storm began. Thunder roared, and the sheep started to scatter across the valley. The girl appeared in a flash of light and said, "To love, you must be patient. Gather your flock without shouting or losing your calm."

Omar spent the entire day patiently calling each sheep. By evening, they were all safe, and the storm had subsided. The girl appeared again and said, "You have proven that you can be patient. This is the first step towards love."

--- ### **Second Trial: Generosity**

The following day, the girl said, "Love is not only about taking but also about giving. Share a portion of your provisions with those in need."

Omar gave some of his bread and milk to his neighbors who were poorer than him. Although he was left with less, he felt the joy of helping others. The girl appeared once more and said, "You have understood that love means sharing, even when you have little."

--- ### **Third Trial: Loyalty**

The final trial was the most difficult. The girl said, "I will disappear, and you must find me. Follow only your heart and do not listen to doubts."

Omar set off into the mountains. It seemed to him that he could hear her voice, but the sounds led him in different directions. He spent three days searching and only found her once he heard a quiet melody by the lakeside. The girl smiled, "You have proven your loyalty by following your heart. Now we can be together."

--- ### Conclusion

Omar and the girl returned to the village. She became his wife, and their story reminded everyone that true love requires patience, generosity, and sincerity. Together, they lived a long and happy life, passing this story down to their children.

Moral of the Story: Love is not just a desire but also the ability to be patient, share, and remain loyal. True feelings require effort and a pure heart.

Questions about the Story:

• Why did the girl from the moon offer Omar trials?
• How did Omar demonstrate patience and loyalty?
• What does this fairy tale teach?