The Goldfish – A Chinese Fairy Tale about Kindness and the Fulfillment of Wishes
A touching fairy tale about the boy Zhang and a goldfish that helped fulfill his sick grandmother's wish. A story about kindness and care.
Short Description: This fairy tale tells of the boy Zhang, who met a goldfish in a pond. It fulfilled his heartfelt wish, helping his sick grandmother regain joy and health.
In a quiet village surrounded by green fields lived the boy Zhang with his grandmother. His parents had long gone abroad for work, so Zhang took care of his grandmother, who was ill and growing weaker each day. She often told him stories about how she loved fishing in her youth and dreamed of seeing a beautiful fish pond again.
One morning, Zhang decided to go to the old pond at the edge of the village. The water was dark, and fishermen hadn't come there in a long time. But Zhang thought, "Maybe I'll find something there that will bring joy to my grandmother."
As he approached the pond, he noticed a golden shimmer in the water. It was a small goldfish whose scales glittered like sunbeams. Zhang leaned in, and the fish spoke: "Do not be afraid, boy. If you have a good wish, I will help you fulfill it."
Zhang was initially surprised but then said, "I wish for my grandmother to be healthy again and to enjoy life."
The fish pondered and then replied, "Your wish will be granted. But in return, you must take care of the pond and all its inhabitants."
Zhang gladly agreed. He returned home and told his grandmother about the fish. The next day, the grandmother felt better. She was able to go outside and even smiled, watching as Zhang cleaned the pond, bringing new life to it.
With each passing day, the water in the pond became clearer, and fish and birds returned. The grandmother felt strong enough to visit the pond with Zhang. They often sat by the water, and the goldfish would jump out of the pond as if to greet them.
The neighbors noticed that the pond had become beautiful again and that its water filled the surrounding fields. They thanked Zhang and his grandmother for restoring the village to its former splendor.
Moral of the Story: A good heart and care for nature can work true miracles. True happiness comes when we share kindness.
Questions for Discussion with Children:
- Why did Zhang turn to the goldfish in the pond?
- How did the fish fulfill Zhang's wish?
- What does this story teach?
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