The King and the Woodcutter: A Tale of True Happiness
The King and the Woodcutter: A Tale of True Happiness
Adapted from Tales of India: Folktales from Bengal, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu
The Tyrant’s Quest
In a kingdom of ancient India lived a ruler known for his harsh and tyrannical ways. Despite having a wise and compassionate prime minister who often counseled him to show mercy to his subjects, the king remained unmoved by such advice.
One day, a curious thought struck the king. “I wonder,” he said to his minister, “if there exists in my entire kingdom even one person who is perfectly happy. Go forth and search for such an individual, and when you find them, bring them to me.”
The minister, though doubtful of success, dutifully set out on his quest. He traveled throughout the realm, from bustling cities to remote villages, speaking with people from all walks of life. Some were impoverished and suffering; others were wealthy but burdened by secret sorrows or anxieties. Perfect happiness seemed elusive in a kingdom ruled by fear.
The Singing Woodcutter
After many days of fruitless searching, the minister arrived at a small village on the kingdom’s outskirts. As he passed a humble cottage, he heard someone singing with remarkable joy. Peering inside, he discovered a poor woodcutter enjoying a simple meal, singing as though he hadn’t a care in the world.
“This must be the man I’ve been seeking,” the minister thought. He entered the cottage and addressed the woodcutter, “My friend, you appear to be extraordinarily happy.”
“Happy?” replied the woodcutter with a smile. “Indeed I am! I have a loving wife and wonderful children. I earn enough to provide for them, and my conscience is clear. What more could anyone desire?”
“My master, the king, has sent me to find someone who is perfectly happy,” explained the minister. “I believe I’ve found that person in you. Please come with me to meet the king, and he will reward you generously.”
“I need no reward,” the woodcutter responded, “but if the king wishes to see me, I will gladly accompany you.”
The King’s Offer
When they arrived at the palace, the king studied the simply dressed woodcutter with curiosity. “Are you truly the man who is perfectly happy?” he asked.
“I am, Your Majesty,” the woodcutter confirmed.
“Then,” declared the king, “I shall make you even happier. Ask for anything, and it shall be yours.”
“I require nothing, Your Majesty,” the woodcutter replied. “I already have everything I need.”
The king frowned. “You must ask for something. It is my royal pleasure to give.”
The woodcutter considered for a moment. “If I must request something, then I ask for this: that you become a just and merciful ruler to your people.”
This unexpected response angered the king, though he concealed his displeasure. “I shall grant your request,” he said stiffly. “And as a reward for your remarkable happiness, I present you with this bag of gold.”
“I have no need for it, Your Majesty,” the woodcutter protested. “Please give it to someone in need.”
“Take it,” the king insisted, “or face my displeasure.”
The Robbers’ Attack
The woodcutter accepted the gold and departed for home. Along the forest path, a band of robbers ambushed him. They beat him severely and stole the bag of gold before disappearing into the woods.
When the woodcutter finally reached home, his wife gasped at his bruised appearance. “What happened to you?” she cried. “You look as though you’ve been beaten!”
“Indeed I have,” he admitted, “and I’ve lost the bag of gold the king gave me.”
“Never mind the gold,” his wife said, embracing him gently. “Thank the heavens you’ve returned with your life.”
“Yes,” agreed the woodcutter, “I am grateful for that. And I remain happy, for I still have my loving family and a clear conscience.”
A Second Chance
When news of the woodcutter’s misfortune reached the palace, the king summoned him once more. “I deeply regret that you were robbed of my gift,” the king told him. “I shall give you another bag of gold, and this time, a guard of soldiers will protect you on your journey home.”
“I don’t want another bag of gold, Your Majesty,” the woodcutter replied. “Nor do I need soldiers to guard me. I fear no robbers, for I have nothing of value they can take. But if you truly wish to show me kindness, do this: be a just and merciful ruler to your people.”
The king’s anger flared hotter than before, but again he masked it. “I shall do as you suggest,” he said tersely. “Now go in peace.”
The Transformation
After the woodcutter departed, the king found himself unable to dismiss the man’s words. Despite his humble station, the woodcutter possessed a wisdom that the king himself lacked. The ruler began to reflect on the true source of the woodcutter’s happiness—not gold or possessions, but love, purpose, and a clear conscience.
Gradually, the king’s heart softened. He realized that his tyrannical ways had brought misery not only to his subjects but also to himself. He resolved to follow the woodcutter’s advice and transform his reign.
From that day forward, the king ruled with justice and compassion. He reduced unfair taxes, released innocent prisoners, and listened attentively to his people’s concerns. As the kingdom flourished under his reformed leadership, the people’s love for their monarch grew, and a new era of prosperity began.
The king discovered that in helping others find happiness, he had finally found his own. And somewhere in his kingdom, a woodcutter continued to sing as he worked, his simple wisdom having changed the fate of an entire realm.
This tale reminds us that true happiness comes not from wealth or power, but from love, purpose, and integrity. It also teaches that even the humblest person can possess wisdom that might transform a kingdom.
