Once, there lived a wealthy family with only one child, a little boy. The boy absolutely loved to hear stories. Every time he met someone new, he would ask them to tell a story. He would tuck away these stories in a small bag he carried everywhere. Soon, the bag grew quite full and he had to push hard to fit in new stories. He always tied the bag tightly, as he was afraid one of the stories would escape.
Eventually, the boy grew up into a fine young man and his wedding day approached.
An old faithful servant in the house was cleaning out the pantry when he heard whispering voices. They were coming from a small bag that hung forgotten on the wall. The servant recognized it as the story bag from the boy’s childhood. He listened quietly.
“Listen, guys!” said a voice, “The boy is going to be married tomorrow. He has kept us crammed in here for long enough. I say, we put an end to this suffering and take revenge.”
“Yes! We must make him pay for hiding us away. Tomorrow, he will leave on horseback to bring home his bride. I will turn into poisonous berries next to the path. I will look so tempting that he will eat me and die.” a second voice exclaimed.
“If he doesn’t die from the berries, I will turn into a beautiful spring. I will look so refreshing that he will drink from my toxic waters and die!” a third voice squealed.
“If he doesn’t die from the water, I will become a scorching hot iron skewer. I will hide in the bag of chaff that is customarily put next to the groom’s horse when he dismounts. He will step on me and burn!” a fourth voice joined in.
“If all of that fails, then I will turn myself into poisonous snakes. I will wait until the couple are asleep and then bite them!” a fifth voice shrieked.
The loyal servant stood shocked after hearing the devious schemes. He knew he had protect his young master and keep him out of harm’s way.
The next morning, the servant persuaded the family to let him accompany the groom. The family was surprised but trusted their servant and agreed. The two set off on the journey, with the servant leading the groom’s horse by holding the reins.
The groom immediately spotted the berries. “Look at those delicious-looking berries! Stop the horse and let’s try some.”
“Those berries? They’re quite ordinary! Let’s wait until we get further ahead and I’ll pick up some tastier berries for you.” The servant smiled but did not stop the horse.
Once they left the berries, the groom was no longer hungry.
After some time, they came to a bubbling spring. The groom cried, “I’m feeling so thirsty. Let’s stop for some water.”
“I know that spring – its water is very salty! Soon, we will be in the shade and you won’t feel thirsty.” the servant deliberately made the horse go faster.
Once they left the spring, the groom was no longer thirsty.
Finally, they arrived at the bride’s horse. Just as the groom was about to dismount, the servant made the horse move forward. The groom lost his balance and fell on the ground, missing the bag of chaff completely.
A beautiful wedding was held. The newly-weds then made their way back to the groom’s house.
They were going to bed when the old servant opened the door and dove into their room! “Young master! You and your wife must leave the room as fast as you can! I’ll explain later.”
The servant pulled the blankets off the bed. It was a gruesome sight! Hundreds of snakes slithered around. The shocked couple watched in awe as the servant used his sword to successfully fight off the snakes.
When it was over, the servant sighed with relief. He recounted the strange events of the past day, starting from the whispering he had heard from the story bag.
The young groom went to the story bag and pleaded for forgiveness. As soon as he touched it, the stories were soothed. The next day, the bag was opened in the town square and the stories were distributed freely.
Ever since, we know that stories must never be tucked away. They must be shared so as many people as possible can appreciate them. As long as stories are passed on, they will stay alive and happy!!