The Spirit in the Bottle

Listen to “The Spirit in the Bottle” on Spreaker.

 

 

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The Spirit in the Bottle!

Once upon a time, in a small village at the edge of a big forest, there lived a poor woodcutter and his son, Peter. Peter was a bright and curious boy who loved exploring the forest and learning about its secrets. Even though life was hard, Peter’s father always told him, “Kindness and bravery will take you far.”

One day, while helping his father chop wood, Peter wandered deeper into the woods than ever before. As he walked, he found an old, mossy bottle hiding under a tree. It was dusty and sealed with a strange cork. Curious, Peter pulled the cork out.

Suddenly, a big cloud of smoke came out of the bottle! It twisted and turned until it became a scary spirit with glowing eyes. The spirit stretched and yawned. “At last, I’m free!” it said in a loud, booming voice. “I was trapped in that bottle for a thousand years. Now I will take my revenge on whoever let me out!”

Peter was scared, but he remembered his father’s words. He stood tall and said, “Please don’t hurt me. I didn’t trap you. I just found the bottle and wanted to know what it was.”

The spirit paused. “Very well,” it said. “I will give you one chance. If you can do a very hard task, I will spare you and give you three wishes. But if you fail, I will take you away forever.”

Peter nodded, hoping he could find a way to win. The spirit handed him a small, empty jug and said, “Fill this jug with water from the river without spilling a single drop.”

Peter walked to the river, holding the jug tightly. But when he saw the fast-moving water, he froze. What if I spill even one drop? he thought. He sat down, feeling stuck and afraid.

Then he closed his eyes and thought of his father’s voice: “Kindness and bravery will take you far.” He took a deep breath and stood up, ready to try again.

Just then, a clever fox peeked out from behind a bush. “You look like you need help,” said the fox. “I’ll help you if you promise to do me a favor later.”

Peter agreed. The fox showed him how to place a big leaf on top of the jug. “Now fill it slowly,” the fox said. Peter did just that. Not a single drop spilled!

Peter thanked the fox and returned to the spirit.

“You did it,” said the spirit, surprised. “Now, you may have three wishes.”

Peter thought carefully. For his first wish, he said, “I wish my family never has to be poor again.” A big chest full of gold appeared!

For his second wish, he said, “I wish to be wise so I can help others.” The spirit gave him the gift to learn and understand things quickly.

For his last wish, Peter said, “I wish for you to be free from your curse and never hurt anyone again.”

The spirit’s eyes softened. “No one has ever wished for me before,” it said. It turned into a soft wind and disappeared, finally free.

Peter ran home, carrying the gold. His father was amazed and proud. They used the gold to build a better life and helped everyone in the village.

Peter also kept his promise to the fox. He found the fox again in the forest and asked, “What can I do for you?”

The fox said, “I wish for my family to have a safe place to live with food and water.”

Peter used his gold and wisdom to make a special spot in the forest—full of fruit trees, clean water, and safety—for the fox family. The fox was so thankful that it promised to protect the forest forever.

Peter and the fox stayed friends. And Peter never forgot that being kind, brave, and smart could change the world.

And so, Peter, his father, and the whole village lived happily ever after.

The End.

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Follow-Up Questions:

• What did Peter remember that helped him stay brave when he was scared?
• How did the fox help Peter, and how did Peter return the favor?
• If you had three wishes like Peter, what would you wish for?