The Legend of Suntarō: A Japanese Tale of a Boy Who Saved the Forest

Brief Description: This tale tells the story of a boy named Suntarō, who saved the forest and its inhabitants from destruction. With his kindness and wisdom, he showed the people that nature is their true wealth.

In an ancient Japanese village lived a boy named Suntarō. He became an orphan at an early age, but his heart was filled with kindness. Every day, he would go to the forest, helping animals and caring for plants. Suntarō believed that the forest is a living home that needs to be protected.

One day, greedy merchants arrived in the village. They offered the elders to cut down the forest to sell the timber and enrich the village. Many were persuaded by their words, and soon, lumberjacks began felling trees. Suntarō saw the forest emptying, and the animals losing their homes.

— We cannot destroy the forest, — he said to the elders. — If you cut down the trees, the village will lose not only shade and fruits but also water. The forest protects the river that gives us life.

But his words were ignored. Suntarō decided to appeal to the forest spirit, Kami-no-Yuki. This ancient spirit was known for his wisdom and mighty power, but only those with pure hearts could approach him.

The next morning, Suntarō set off deep into the forest. He prayed, asked the spirit for help, and promised to protect nature until his last breath. Suddenly, Kami-no-Yuki appeared in the form of a majestic turtle, surrounded by a glowing green light.

— You love nature, Suntarō, — said the spirit. — I will help you, but only if you show the people the power of the forest.

The spirit gave the boy a magical seed and instructed him to plant it in the heart of the forest. When Suntarō followed the command, the earth trembled, and a huge tree with dense foliage grew from the seed. Its roots began to regenerate the soil, and new shoots appeared beside it. The tree emitted an amazing light that caught the attention of the villagers.

When the lumberjacks approached the tree, they saw that its trunk was covered with golden patterns resembling ancient scripts. Every time an axe touched the tree, a loud sound echoed throughout the village. This sound made the people stop: it reminded them of bell tolls, as if the tree itself was trying to communicate with them.

The elders, hearing the echo, gathered around the tree. Suddenly, water dripped from its branches, turning into a clear stream that filled the dried-up rivers. They realized that the forest is not just trees, but the source of their life and prosperity.

— We were blind, — said one of the elders. — This forest is our true wealth. We must preserve it.

The elders banned the felling of trees, and the merchants left the village. Suntarō continued to care for the forest, and the residents learned to respect nature. His name became a symbol of love and care for the world around him.

Moral of the Story:

This story teaches that nature is our most valuable treasure. If we take care of it, it will reward us with gratitude and life.

Discussion Questions:

• Why did Suntarō love the forest and the animals so much?
• How did the magical tree help the people recognize the value of nature?
• What does this story teach about the relationship between humans and their environment?