The Hazel-nut Child facts for kids
The Hazel-nut Child is a fascinating fairy tale from a region called Bukovina, which is now split between Romania and Ukraine. This story is about a very special boy who is tiny but incredibly smart and brave. It was first written down by a Polish-German scholar named Heinrich von Wlislocki in 1891. Later, famous storytellers like Andrew Lang and Ruth Manning-Sanders included it in their collections, making it known to many more readers around the world.
Contents
What Is The Hazel-nut Child About?
This fairy tale tells the story of a couple who really wanted a child. They wished for a son, even if he was as small as a hazel nut. Their wish came true, and they had a tiny son. He never grew bigger than a hazel nut, but he was very clever and quick-witted.
The Hazel-nut Child's First Adventure
When the Hazel-nut Child turned 15, he decided he wanted to be a messenger. His mother was worried because he was so small. To prove himself, he went on a mission to get a comb from his aunt. He cleverly climbed onto a horse that was passing by. He poked and pinched the horse until it galloped quickly to the village. He got the comb and rode another horse back home the same way. This adventure showed his mother how capable he was.
Stopping a Robber
One day, the Hazel-nut Child's father left him in the fields with a horse. A robber tried to steal the horse. But the Hazel-nut Child was too smart for him! He quickly jumped onto the horse. He pricked the horse until it galloped home so fast that the robber couldn't catch it. The robber was later caught and put in jail because of the Hazel-nut Child's bravery.
Journey to Africa and Riches
When he was 20, the Hazel-nut Child decided to leave home. He promised his parents he would return only when he was rich. He saw storks flying south for the winter and cleverly climbed onto one of them. He traveled all the way to Africa with the storks!
In Africa, he entertained the king with his cleverness and stories. The king was so amused that he gave the Hazel-nut Child a huge, sparkling diamond. When the storks flew north again, the Hazel-nut Child rode one back home, bringing the valuable diamond with him. From that day on, he and his parents lived a rich and happy life.
