The Angel and the Woodcutter

Once upon a time, in a small village surrounded by a dense forest, there lived a poor woodcutter named Ali. Every day, he would wake up early in the morning, take his old axe, and walk deep into the forest to cut wood. It was hard work, but it was the only way he could earn money to feed his family.

Ali was known in the village for his honesty and simple life. Even though he didn’t have much, he was always grateful for what he had. He never complained and never tried to cheat anyone.

One day, while cutting a tree near a river, something unexpected happened. As Ali swung his axe with full force, it slipped from his hands and fell straight into the deep water of the river.

Ali rushed to the riverbank and looked down, but the water was too deep and dark. He could not see his axe. That axe was his only tool, his only way to earn a living. Without it, he could not work.

He sat near the river and began to cry. “What will I do now?” he said to himself. “How will I feed my family?”

Suddenly, the surface of the water began to glow. A bright light appeared, and from the river emerged a beautiful angel. Ali was shocked and stepped back in fear.

The angel spoke softly, “Why are you crying, my child?”

Ali gathered courage and replied honestly, “My axe fell into the river. It was my only tool. Without it, I cannot work or feed my family.”

The angel smiled kindly and said, “Do not worry. I will help you.”

She disappeared into the river and returned after a few moments holding a shiny golden axe. It sparkled in the sunlight.

“Is this your axe?” she asked.

Ali looked at it carefully and shook his head. “No, this is not mine. My axe was old and made of iron.”

The angel nodded and went back into the river. This time, she came back with a silver axe, shining brightly.

“Is this your axe?” she asked again.

Ali again replied honestly, “No, this is not mine either.”

The angel smiled once more and disappeared into the water. After a short while, she came back holding a simple iron axe.

“Is this your axe?” she asked.

Ali’s face lit up with joy. “Yes! That is my axe. Thank you so much!”

The angel was very pleased with his honesty. “You have spoken the truth, even when you had the chance to take something more valuable,” she said. “As a reward for your honesty, I will give you all three axes.”

Ali was surprised. “All three? But I only need my own axe.”

The angel replied, “Your honesty deserves a greater reward. Take them and continue your life with truth and kindness.”

Ali thanked the angel with all his heart and returned home happily. With the golden and silver axes, he improved his life and helped others in his village as well.

News of his good fortune spread quickly. Another woodcutter in the village heard the story and became greedy. He decided to try the same trick to get rich.

The next day, he went to the river and deliberately threw his axe into the water. Then he sat down and started pretending to cry loudly.

Soon, the angel appeared again. “Why are you crying?” she asked.

The woodcutter said, “My axe fell into the river. Please help me!”

The angel went into the water and brought out a golden axe. “Is this your axe?” she asked.

The greedy man quickly said, “Yes! Yes, that is mine!”

The angel’s face changed. She became serious and said, “You are lying. This is not your axe.”

Because of his dishonesty, the angel disappeared, taking the golden axe with her. She did not return his original axe either.

The greedy woodcutter lost everything and returned home empty-handed, realizing his mistake too late.

From that day on, everyone in the village learned an important lesson: honesty brings rewards, but greed leads to loss.

And Ali, the honest woodcutter, lived a peaceful and respected life, always remembered for his truthfulness.

Moral: Honesty is always rewarded, while greed leads to loss.