The Golden Apple – A Turkish Fairy Tale about the Search for Happiness

Brief Description: The story of a young woman who set out on a journey to find the golden apple, believing it would bring her happiness. Along the way, she realized that happiness had always been right beside her. This moral fairy tale teaches children kindness, attention to others, and gratitude for what they have.

In a village, there lived a girl named Leyla. She was kind and hardworking, but always seemed pensive. She felt that something was missing in her life. One evening, she heard from a wise old woman about a magical golden apple. "Whoever finds this apple will become the happiest person in the world," said the old woman.

Leyla decided to set out on a journey. She said goodbye to her family and friends and promised to return when she had found the apple. With the first rays of the sun, the girl left the village and headed towards the distant mountains, where, according to legend, the magical tree grew.

On her way, Leyla met an old man who was sitting by the roadside, groaning. "Girl, help me, I have no water, and my journey is long," he asked. Leyla gave the old man her only water flask. He thanked her and said, "You are a kind soul. May your heart show you the way."

Later, Leyla met a boy who had lost his sheep. "Help me find them," he begged. Leyla spent the whole day helping the boy and returned him home. The boy’s parents treated her to bread and honey, and she continued her journey.

Finally, Leyla reached the foot of the mountain where the ancient tree grew. Its branches were covered with golden leaves, and at the very top shone the golden apple. Leyla approached the tree, but suddenly her way was blocked by a wise guardian. "Before you take the apple, answer me: What truly makes a person happy?"

Leyla thought for a moment. She remembered the old man to whom she had given water and his gratitude. She remembered the boy and the joy in his eyes when he saw his sheep again. "Happiness is not in things. It is in kindness, caring for others, and the love we receive in return," she answered.

The guardian smiled and said, "You have found the answer that many seek for years. The apple stays here for those still searching for their path, but you have already found your happiness."

Leyla thanked the guardian and returned to the village. She realized that true joy was in those who surrounded her and in her own actions. From that day on, she lived happily, helping others and inspiring them to find joy in the simple things.

The Moral of the Story: Happiness is not found in material things, but in good deeds, love, and gratitude for what we have.

Questions about the Story:

• Why did Leyla set out to find the golden apple?
• What challenges did she face along the way?
• What helped Leyla understand where her true happiness lay?