The River of Pele's Tears — A Hawaiian Legend of Saving a Village

Deep in Hawaii, surrounded by tropical forests and black sand beaches, there was a small village at the foot of a volcano. The villagers believed that the volcano was protected by Pele, the goddess of fire and lava, who shielded them from harm. But one night, the volcano awoke: lava began flowing from the crater, threatening to destroy homes and fields.

In the village lived a brother and sister — Leila and Kai. They watched the lava flow down the slope, fearing for their home. "We can’t just sit and wait!" said Kai. "There must be a way to stop the lava." Leila nodded, "Maybe Pele will help us."

The children climbed to the top of the volcano, stepping carefully on the hot ground. When they reached the crater, Pele herself appeared before them. Her hair flowed like molten lava, and her eyes burned like fire. "Why have you come here, children?" she asked. "We want to save our village," Leila replied. Pele thought for a moment and said, "Lava is a part of me, but I can stop it. To do so, you must find a magical stone — my heart, which was stolen. Are you ready to search for it?"

The children agreed, and Pele gave them a fiery crystal that glowed brighter as they neared the right place. "Follow this light, but beware: the path will not be easy," she warned.

The first trial awaited them at a river of lava. The crystal glowed brighter, but the way was blocked by scorching stones. "We can’t jump over them," said Kai. "We need to find a safe way across." Leila noticed some stone slabs nearby. They began placing the slabs in the lava to create a bridge. This way, the children crossed to the other side.

Their path then led through a dense forest, where they encountered a giant firebird guarding the entrance to a cave. "What do you seek here?" the bird asked. "We are searching for Pele’s magical stone," replied Leila. The bird nodded, "To pass, you must answer my question. What cannot be extinguished by water?" Kai thought for a moment and said, "The fire in one’s heart." The bird stepped aside, satisfied, and let them pass.

The final trial awaited them inside the cave, where the magical stone lay. As the children approached, the ground trembled, and a figure made of lava appeared before them. "You must prove you are worthy of taking the stone," said the cave spirit. Leila replied, "We seek no power. We only want to save our village." The spirit saw their sincerity and allowed them to take the stone.

With the magical stone, the children returned to Pele. She smiled, "You have proven yourselves worthy. Now I will stop the lava." Pele placed the stone into the crater, and the lava began to disappear, leaving behind a shiny black trail. The village was saved.

"You have done a great deed," said Pele, giving the children small amulets shaped like fiery stones. "These amulets will remind you of your courage and love for your home."

When Leila and Kai returned to the village, the villagers greeted them with joy. From that day on, the volcano never threatened their home again, and the children always remembered Pele’s lesson: nature is powerful, but love and courage can protect it.