The Hedgehog Friends – A German Folk Tale about Cooperation and Support
The German folk tale "The Hedgehog Friends" tells the story of a family of hedgehogs who help each other during difficult times, showing the power of unity and care.
Brief Description:
The Hedgehog Friends is a touching German folk tale about how a family of hedgehogs, facing difficulties, unites and helps each other, overcoming all obstacles. The story teaches the power of friendship and caring for others.
In a dense forest under a large oak tree, lived a family of hedgehogs: Mama, Papa, and two little hedgehogs. They were very close to each other, caring for one another. Every day, the family went out to find food, helping each other gather berries and mushrooms. But one day, disaster struck. A harsh winter came to the forest, and Papa hedgehog found himself trapped in a hunter’s snare. The little hedgehog was the first to notice that Papa hadn’t come back and rushed to tell Mama about it.
— We must save Papa! — the little hedgehogs cried. Mama hedgehog, without wasting any time, gathered the whole family. She said: — Together we will manage. Let’s search for Papa and help each other along the way.
Their journey was not easy. Along the way, they encountered deep snowdrifts. The little hedgehog suggested: — Let’s dig a tunnel in the snow so we can all pass through. Mama and the little hedgehogs started digging, and soon they were able to overcome the obstacle.
Further along, they came across a stream that had frozen from the cold. But the ice was thin, and it was dangerous to walk on it. So Mama suggested: — Let’s look for branches and build a bridge. Together they found strong enough branches to cross the stream safely.
Finally, they reached the spot where the trap was. Papa hedgehog was sitting inside, tired and hungry. Mama hedgehog carefully approached him and said: — Hold on, my dear, we will get you out. The little hedgehogs began gnawing at the ropes that held the trap. Their little teeth worked quickly, and soon Papa was free.
When the whole family returned home, they hugged each other tightly. The little hedgehogs said: — If we hadn’t worked together, we wouldn’t have been able to save Papa. Papa smiled and replied: — Friendship and helping each other are the most important things we have.
From that day on, the hedgehog family always stuck together. They knew that no difficulty was too great when those who are ready to help are by their side.
The Moral of the Story:
The story teaches that in difficult times, the strength of family, friendship, and mutual aid helps overcome any obstacle. Together, we can handle any hardship.
Questions for Children:
- Why did the little hedgehog decide that Papa had to be saved?
- What difficulties did the family encounter along the way?
- What does this story teach us?
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