Once upon a time, an old farmer had two sons. After a long and fulfilling life, the farmer divided his inheritance. The elder son, driven by ambition and greed, received the grand house, the fertile fields, and the largest share of the wealth.
The younger son, gentle and humble, was left with only a small, crooked hut and a single-star fruit tree that stood at the edge of the garden.
Blinded by his greed, the elder brother sneered and said mockingly, “It’s your fault that Father left you nothing better. You were always too weak and useless!”
With those words, he drove his younger brother away and forbade him from ever setting foot on the family estate again.
Though saddened, the younger brother did not despair.
He worked hard, repaired his little hut, and tended to the star fruit tree with great care. He watered it daily, enriched the soil, and even sang to it as if it were his only friend.
Over time, the tree flourished and eventually bore golden, juicy fruits that glistened in the sunlight like stars.
One morning, as the young man was about to harvest the ripe fruit, he discovered a magnificent bird with shimmering golden feathers perched on the tree, feasting on the fruit.
The young man was dismayed but spoke gently: “Oh, great bird, please do not eat all my fruit! It is my only means of survival.”
The bird lifted its head and gazed at the young man with glowing eyes. Then, in a deep, melodic voice, it spoke:
“Do not be sad, young man. Your generosity and pure heart have touched me. I shall reward your kindness. Bring a bag, as large as your heart allows, and I will take you to a place filled with treasure.”
Astonished but trusting, the young man fetched a small cloth bag, just big enough to carry a handful of gold.
The next morning, the golden bird returned, and as the young man climbed onto its back, it soared into the sky.
They flew over snow-capped mountains, turquoise seas, and endless forests until they finally reached a hidden cave, bathed in a mysterious light.
Inside lay mountains of gold coins and glittering gemstones.
“Take only what you need,” said the bird, “but be modest. Remember, true greatness is not found in wealth, but in the purity of one’s heart.”
The young man filled his small bag with a few gold coins and thanked the bird wholeheartedly.
When he returned home, he built himself a modest house and shared his fortune with the poor in his village.
His life remained simple, yet he was happy and content.
When the elder brother heard of the miraculous journey, he was overcome with envy and greed.
Determined to claim the star fruit tree for himself, he offered his younger brother the grand house and all the fields in exchange for it.
Not wishing to quarrel, the younger brother agreed.
The elder brother waited impatiently for the golden bird.
When it finally arrived, he eagerly demanded a bag. But instead of being modest, he had sewn a giant sack from thick canvas, as large as a ship’s sail.
The bird warned him, “Be careful, for greed often leads to ruin.”
But the elder brother merely scoffed and urged the bird to take him to the treasure cave.
Upon reaching the cave, he greedily stuffed the enormous sack to its brim with gold and jewels.
The bird shook its head and warned him again:
“This is too much. You will regret it.” But the man ignored the warning.
As they flew back, the heavy load became too much to bear. The bird struggled against the wind, lost balance, and finally plunged into the sea.
The elder brother and his hoarded treasure sank into the depths of the ocean.
The younger brother, however, continued to live humbly and happily.
Each year, the star fruit tree blossomed and bore abundant fruit, which he shared with the villagers.
The tree became a symbol of humility, generosity, and the just reward of a pure heart.