True and Untrue facts for kids

True and Untrue is a classic Norwegian fairy tale. It was collected by famous storytellers Asbjørnsen and Moe. This tale is known around the world as a story about two travelers, one honest and one dishonest. It teaches us about the difference between truth and falsehood.

The Story of True and Untrue

This fairy tale begins with two brothers. People called them True and Untrue because of their personalities. True was always honest and kind. Untrue, however, was selfish and deceitful.

A Journey Begins

One day, the brothers decided to leave home. They wanted to find their fortune in the world. True shared his food with Untrue. He thought they would share everything equally.

Untrue, though, had other plans. Once True's food was gone, Untrue refused to share his own. True pointed out how unfair this was. Untrue became very angry. In his rage, he hurt True's eyes so badly that True could no longer see.

True's Discovery in the Woods

Blind and alone, True stumbled through a dark forest. He eventually found a large lime tree. To stay safe from wild animals, he climbed up into its branches for the night.

It was Saint John's Eve, a special night. A bear, a wolf, a fox, and a hare gathered under the tree. They were talking about secrets. True listened carefully from above.

The animals shared amazing information:

• The bear said that the dew on the lime tree could cure the king's blindness.
• The wolf explained that the king's daughter was deaf and mute. She had dropped a crumb during a special meal, and a toad had swallowed it. If they caught the toad, she would be cured.
• The fox revealed where the king could find a hidden spring in his own courtyard.
• The hare told how a golden chain buried around the king's orchard stopped the fruit trees from growing.

True Helps the King

At sunrise, True rubbed his eyes with the magical dew from the lime tree. His sight was instantly restored! He then went to the king's castle.

True offered his help to the king. He used all the secrets he had heard from the animals. First, he helped the king find the hidden spring. Then, he showed them where the golden chain was buried. This made the king's orchard grow fruit again.

Finally, True helped the king's daughter. He found the toad and cured her deafness and muteness. The king was overjoyed and very grateful. He decided that True was a good and wise person. The king married True to his daughter and gave him half of his kingdom.

Untrue's Return

During True's wedding celebration, a beggar arrived. It was Untrue, looking poor and miserable. True, being kind, gave his brother some food. He then told Untrue to go sit in the same lime tree where he had made his discoveries.

Untrue hoped to hear the same secrets. However, when the animals arrived, they sensed that someone was listening. They knew their secrets had been overheard last year. So, this time, they only said good night and left. Untrue learned nothing useful.

Themes in the Story

The story of True and Untrue teaches important lessons. It shows that honesty and kindness can lead to great rewards. It also highlights that bad actions, like Untrue's, often lead to bad outcomes.