Indian Folktale

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Retold by The Legendary Connection

TLC#00126

Once upon a time, Sun, Moon, and Wind decided to go out for dinner with their Uncle Thunder and Aunt Lightning. Far away in the sky, their mother, a distant Star, waited patiently for her children to return home.

Now, Sun and Wind were rather selfish. They were excited about the grand feast prepared for them and didn’t think to bring any leftovers back for their mother. But gentle Moon had a kind heart. She remembered her mother and, for every delicious dish served, she carefully tucked away a small portion beneath her lovely long fingernail so that Star could also enjoy the feast.

When the children returned home, their mother greeted them with a bright smile and asked, "What have you brought back for me, my dear children?"

Being the eldest, Sun replied, "I brought nothing for you. I went out to have fun with my friends, not to bring dinner for you!" Wind chimed in, "I didn’t bring anything either, Mother. You didn’t expect me to gather treats while I was out having a good time, did you?"

But Moon, with a sparkle in her eye, said, "Mother, please get a plate and see what I have for you!" As she shook her hands, a magnificent dinner tumbled down, more delightful than anything Star had ever seen.

Star looked at Sun and spoke firmly, "Because you chose to enjoy yourself without a thought for me, you shall face a consequence. From now on, your rays will be hot and scorching, burning everything they touch. People will shield their eyes when you shine."

And that is why the Sun is so hot today.

Then Star turned to Wind and declared, "You too, who forgot your mother in your selfish enjoyment, will face your own fate. You shall always blow fiercely in the dry heat, withering all that you touch. People will avoid you when the weather turns hot."

And that is why the Wind can be so disagreeable in the heat.

Finally, Star addressed Moon with a gentle smile, "My dear daughter, because you remembered your mother and saved a part of your joy for me, you will be rewarded. You shall shine cool, calm, and bright, and your light will never be harsh. People will always cherish you and call you ‘blessed.’"

And that is why the moonlight remains soft, cool, and beautiful to this very day.

And so, Sun, Moon, and Wind each learned a valuable lesson about love, sharing, and the importance of thinking of others.

Origianl Source: Jacobs, Joseph. “Indian Fairy Tales.” Gutenberg.org, 2024, gutenberg.org/cache/epub/7128/pg7128-images.html#How_Sun_Moon_and_Wind_went_out_to_Dinner. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.