The Stubborn Donkey – A German Fairy Tale About Work and the Joy of Helping Others
The German fairy tale The Stubborn Donkey tells the story of a donkey who initially doesn't want to help others but learns that work and caring for others bring joy and gratitude.
Short Description:
The Stubborn Donkey is a German fairy tale about a donkey who, after initially refusing to help others, understands that work and caring for others bring joy and gratitude.
In a small village lived a donkey named Max. He was known throughout the area for his stubbornness. If Max didn't want to move, neither the whip nor kindness could get him to budge. If he got tired of working, he simply stopped and pretended he didn't hear anything. — Max, hurry up! — scolded the farmer. — We need to take the apples to the market. But the donkey stood his ground. He thought working wasn’t for him. — Why should I try? I still get my share of hay, — thought Max.
One morning, the farmer decided it was time for Max to learn the value of hard work. He loaded the donkey with baskets of vegetables and took him to the village. But as soon as they were on the road, Max stopped. The farmer tried to persuade him, pulling on the lead, but the donkey refused to move. — If you don’t want to go, stay here, — said the farmer angrily and walked ahead.
Max stayed on the road. It was quiet, only the birds were singing. Suddenly, an old woman passed by. She was dragging a large sack of flour and looked very tired. — Oh, how heavy, — she sighed as she passed the donkey. Max looked at her and suddenly felt sorry for the woman. He stepped closer and gently nudged her hand with his nose. — Would you like to help me? — the woman asked, surprised. The woman carefully placed the sack on the donkey’s back, and he carried it all the way to the village. When they arrived, the woman thanked him: — Thank you, Max! You really helped me. Here, take this sweet carrot as a reward.
Max ate the carrot and thought: — That wasn’t hard at all. And it feels good to help others. The next day, the farmer loaded the donkey with baskets again. This time, Max went forward without hesitation. He delivered the baskets to the market, and the farmer praised him: — Well done, Max! Now you are my real helper. In the evening, the farmer brought him a bundle of fresh hay. Max realized that work was not just a duty, but an opportunity to make someone happy.
From that day on, Max became the most reliable donkey in the village. He helped carry water, delivered loads, and even gave children rides. Max was no longer stubborn. He knew his help was important and he was proud of his work.
Moral of the Story:
The story teaches that work and helping others bring joy and make us necessary. Stubbornness only prevents us from becoming better.
Questions for Children:
- Why didn’t the donkey want to work at first?
- What changed after he helped the old woman?
- What lesson does this story teach us?
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