In a thriving forest, brimming with verdant trees and the fragrance of blossoming flowers, there lived a seasoned hunter.He was known far and wide for his ability to catch the rarest of animals, whether by clever tricks or sheer determination. One day, after hours of patiently waiting and planning, the hunter managed to capture a magnificent little bird in his net. But this bird was no ordinary creature—it was said that this bird carried great wisdom within it.
As the hunter approached, the bird, trembling in the net, spoke, “Oh, wise hunter! What do you plan to gain by killing me? My body is too small to offer you much. If you set me free, however, I will give you three priceless pieces of advice. These words of wisdom will serve you for the rest of your life.”
The hunter, curious about what a small bird could possibly offer in terms of wisdom, paused and thought for a moment. He had caught many animals, but none had ever spoken to him. What harm could there be in hearing the bird out? “Alright,” the hunter finally agreed, “if your advice truly holds such value, I will let you go.”
The bird chirped happily and perched on the hunter’s hand. “Here is my first piece of advice,” it said, “Never believe the impossible, no matter how convincing it may sound.” The bird then fluttered to a nearby wall and continued, “Now, for my second piece of advice: Do not regret what is already done. Once something is in the past, you cannot change it, so there is no point in lamenting over it.”
The hunter, intrigued and eager for the final piece of wisdom, listened closely. “And now,” the bird continued with a knowing tone, “I will reveal a secret: Inside me is a precious pearl, worth ten dirhams—far more valuable than anything you could have imagined. Had you kept me, you could have lived a life of wealth and luxury. But now, since you let me go, you have lost your chance at this fortune.”
Upon hearing this, the hunter’s heart filled with regret. “What have I done?” he cried. “I should have kept you! I have thrown away a great treasure!” The hunter became consumed by his sorrow, feeling as though he had made the biggest mistake of his life.
The wise bird, watching the hunter’s despair, calmly said, “Oh, foolish hunter. Did I not just tell you not to dwell on what is already done? Regretting your decision now serves no purpose. And did you forget my first piece of advice? I am but a tiny bird, and my entire body weighs no more than three dirhams. How could I possibly contain a pearl that weighs ten? You fell for an impossible lie.”
Realizing his foolishness, the hunter’s face flushed with embarrassment. “You are right,” he admitted, “I should have paid closer attention to your wisdom. Please, share your third piece of advice.”
The bird fluttered its wings and gave him a final glance. “Why should I waste my third piece of advice on someone who hasn’t even followed the first two?” With that, the wise bird soared high into the sky, disappearing into the blue horizon, leaving the hunter to reflect on his actions.
Moral:
This story teaches us several lessons: to be skeptical of the impossible, to let go of the past, and to act upon the wisdom we are given. Opportunities and wisdom come in many forms, but they are only valuable if we are ready to listen and learn.
Recent Stories
Rat and Camel Journey
Snake in Stomach
The Curious Runaway Bunny
