The Old Well – A Chinese Fairy Tale about the Wisdom of Water

Short Description: This Chinese folk tale tells of an old well that reminded people of the importance of water. The story is about wisdom, frugality, and respect for natural resources.

Long ago, in the center of a flourishing village, stood an old stone well. Its water was crystal clear, and the villagers were grateful for it as it quenched their thirst, watered their fields, and was part of their daily lives. But times changed. People began to forget how important it is to value water, and gradually the village became deserted. The well remained lonely, its edges overgrown with moss, and the water hidden beneath a layer of time.

Years later, a group of children from a nearby settlement stumbled upon this abandoned village while playing. They laughed, explored the houses, and eventually approached the well. One of the boys, Li, looked curiously down and threw a small stone in. A splash echoed.

"There's still water here!" exclaimed Li. The children began to argue fiercely about whether such an old thing was still needed in their time. "Who needs this well now? We can bring water from the river," someone said.

Suddenly, a deep voice echoed from the depths of the well: "My water not only quenches thirst. I give life. But only those who understand my value can truly benefit from my gifts."

The children were frightened, but their curiosity was stronger than their fear. A girl named Lin gathered her courage and asked, "What are you talking about? Can water give more than just quenching thirst?"

"Once, I nourished this village," said the well. "My water irrigated the fields, trees grew, and children played by my shores. But people forgot how important it is to cherish water. They began to waste it thoughtlessly until they had none left. The village dried up, and the people left. But I am still here, and my water awaits to be useful again."

The children pondered. Lin lifted a bucket, lowered it into the well, and lifted it back up. The water was cold and surprisingly refreshing. "We need to tell our families about this," she said. "This well can help people again."

Returning to their settlement, the children told the adults about the well. Together, they went to the abandoned village to restore it. People began to care for the source: they cleaned it, reinforced the edges, and the water began to babble again. The surrounding fields came alive, and the trees bloomed once more.

The village elder said, "This well reminded us that water is life, and we must treat it with respect. If we take care of it, it will always be with us."

From then on, the residents celebrated Water Day every year, when children decorated the well with flowers and reminded each other how important it is to care for nature.

Moral of the Story:

• Water is the foundation of life and must be valued and preserved.
• Nature always returns care to those who respect its gifts.
• Even old and forgotten things can become important if treated with respect.

Questions for Discussion with Children:

1. Why did the well remain lonely?
2. How did the children help restore the village?
3. Why is it important to value water?