3. Taro's Reward
Introduction: This is a story about a thoughtful and loving son named Taro. He works hard to fulfill his parents' wishes and gets unexpectedly rewarded by nature.
Summary
Taro was a young woodcutter who lived with his old parents on a lonely hillside. He worked very hard but earned very little money. One cold evening, his father shivered and wished for a cup of saké (a Japanese drink) to warm his heart.
Taro was sad because saké was very expensive. The next morning, he went to the forest earlier than usual to chop more wood. Suddenly, he heard the sound of rushing water. He found a waterfall hidden behind a rock. When he tasted the water, it was delicious saké!
He filled a pitcher and brought it home for his father. His father drank it and stopped shivering. He danced with joy. A neighbour visited and Taro offered her some saké. She spread the story throughout the village.
Villagers rushed to Taro's house and tasted the drink. Next morning, when they went to the waterfall, they found only cold water. They thought Taro had tricked them. But when Taro tasted it again, it was saké. The magic waterfall gave saké only to the thoughtful son, but cold water to everyone else.
Conclusion: The Emperor of Japan heard this story. He rewarded Taro with gold and named the most beautiful fountain in the city after him. This was to encourage all children to honor and obey their parents.
Character Sketch
- Taro: A young, hardworking woodcutter. He loved and honored his parents deeply. nature rewarded his goodness.
- Taro's Father: An old man who felt cold and wished for saké.
- The Villagers: Greedy and quick to judge. They wanted the saké for free without working for it.
Word Meanings
- Chopped: Cut into pieces.
- Whistled through: Passed through with a whistling sound.
- Cracks: Narrow openings.
- Saké: A popular Japanese drink (pronounced 'sa-kee').
- Expensive: Costly.
- Pitcher: A pot usually made of mud.
- Greedily: Desiring more than one needs.
- Tricked: Deceived.
- Muttering: Speaking unclearly in a low voice.
Question 1:
Why did Taro run in the direction of the stream?
Question 2:
How did Taro’s father show his happiness after drinking saké?
Question 3:
Why did the waterfall give Taro saké and others water?
Question 4:
Why did the villagers want to drown Taro?
Question 5:
Why did the Emperor reward Taro?
Grammar Rules: Adjectives
An adjective describes a Noun or Pronoun. (e.g., good boy, cold water).
Positive: Simple quality (Old).
Comparative: Comparing two things (Older). Usually adds '-er' or 'more'.
Superlative: Highest degree (Oldest). Usually adds '-est' or 'most'.