A folk tale from India | Sunday Observer

A folk tale from India

14 May, 2023

One day the Sun, Moon and Wind went to dine with their uncle and aunt, Thunder and Lightning.

The Mother Star

Their mother, one of the most distant stars you see far up in the sky, waited alone for her children's return.

Sun and Wind were greedy and selfish. They enjoyed the great feast that had been prepared for them, without a thought of saving any of it to take home to their mother—but the gentle Moon did not forget her.

Of every dainty dish that was brought around, she placed a small portion under one of her beautiful long fingernails so that Mother Star might also have a share in the treat.

On their return, their mother, who was up all night long with her little bright eye said, "Well, children, what have you brought home for me?"

Sun, who was the eldest son said, "I have brought nothing home for you. I went out to enjoy myself with my friends—not to fetch dinner for my mother!"

And Wind said, "Neither have I brought anything home for you, mother. You could hardly expect me to bring a collection of good things for you, when I merely went out for my own pleasure."

But Moon said, "Mother, fetch a plate, see what I have brought you." And shaking her hands she showered down such a choice dinner as never seen before.

A curse and a blessing

Then, Mother Star turned to Sun and spoke thus, "Because you went out to enjoy with your friends, and never had a thought about your mother, you shall be cursed. So, your rays shall ever be hot and scorching, and shall burn all that they touch. And humans shall hate you and cover their heads when they see you." This is the secret of the Sun being so hot.

Then she turned to Wind and said, "You also who forgot your mother in the midst of your selfish pleasures—hear your doom. You shall always blow in the hot, dry weather and shall destroy villages. So men will hate you."

And that is why the wind in the hot weather is still so unbearable.

But to Moon she said, "Daughter, because you remembered your mother, and kept something for her from what you loved, you shall be ever cool, and calm, and bright. No glare, only pure rays, and men shall always call you 'blessed.' And that is why the moon's light is so soft, and cool, and beautiful even today. 

Comments