The Honest Woodcutter

In an era long past in a riverside village, there lived a woodcutter. His days were simple, defined by the rhythmic swing of his axe as he chopped wood from the dense forest nearby. Despite his humble life, he was a man of unwavering honesty and integrity.

One sunny morning, the woodcutter was at work, his axe rhythmically striking against the trunk of a tree. In a sudden twist of fate, the axe slipped from his calloused hands, plunging into the tumultuous river below. His only means of livelihood was lost. The woodcutter was crestfallen as he realized he didn't have the means to replace his iron axe.

The Kind-hearted Fairy

Moved by his despair, a benevolent fairy materialized. She asked the woodcutter about his sorrow. With a heavy heart, the woodcutter recounted his predicament. The fairy, filled with compassion, dove into the river to retrieve the lost axe.

To test the woodcutter's honesty, the fairy emerged from the waters holding a golden axe, its surface shimmering under the sun. She asked him if this exquisite axe was his. The woodcutter, despite his financial struggles, did not succumb to greed. He solemnly shook his head and said, "No, that's not my axe."

The fairy, impressed by his forthrightness, returned to the water and this time, emerged with an iron axe. As she held it out to him, the woodcutter's eyes lit up with joy. "Yes, that's my axe!" he exclaimed gratefully.

The fairy, admiring his honesty, decided to reward him. She gave him both the golden and the iron axes. The woodcutter thanked the fairy profusely, his heart filled with joy.