Folk Tale

Thankfulness Russian Folk Tale: The Fisherman and the Golden Fish   https://sites.google.com/site/valueslessons   

Once upon a time an old man and his wife lived on the shore of the sea. They were poor and lived in an old mud hut. He made a living by fishing, while his wife washed peoples clothes. One day he caught a golden fish in his net. The fish begged him, "Let me go, old man. I will reward you for my freedom by giving you anything you desire." The fisherman was astonished and frightened because he had never before heard a fish speak. He said kindly to it, "God bless you, Golden Fish. I don't need anything from you," and he let the fish go. (Show Image 1)The fisherman went home and told his wife the wonderful thing that had happened to him at the shore. But she cursed angrily at him and said, "You are such a fool not to make a wish! (Show Image 2) At least you could have asked for a new wash tub, since ours is broken." 

The old man returned to the seashore, where little waves were rushing up onto the sand. He called out to the golden fish. It swam up and asked, "What do you need, old man?" He bowed and replied that his wife cursed at him because she needed a new wash tub. The fish promised to grant his wish.When the fisherman returned home he saw the new wash tub, and was very thankful for it. But his wife shouted at him, "'You are such a fool! Go back to the fish! Ask for a new house."

The fisherman went back to the sea, where the water and sky had become overcast. He called the fish, who swam up to where he was standing. He apologized and said that his ungrateful wife wanted a new house. The fish promised to fulfil his wish.

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When he returned, he saw a nice new cottage with a gate. He was delighted, but his wife shouted even louder, "You are such a fool! Go back to the fish! I don't want be an ordinary peasant, I want be a noblewoman!"

 And what did he see when he returned home? The hut had become a great house. His wife was wearing an expensive fur jacket and had a headdress of brocade. She had pearl necklaces and gold rings. There were many servants bustling around her. She hit and slapped them. The fisherman said, "Greetings, Milady, I hope you are satisfied now." She didn't deign to answer him, but instead ordered him off to live in the stable. Several weeks later, the wife commanded her husband to appear before her and instructed him to go to the sea again, saying, "I am still subject to the rule of those above me! I want be queen of all the land!" The old man, frightened, said, "Are you crazy, old woman? You have no knowledge of courtly manners. Everybody will make fun of you." At these words his wife stamped her feet with rage, slapped his face, and ordered him to obey.

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