The Woodcutter and the Deer

14
 min
5
+
4.3
 • 
73
 ratings
In this beautiful Korean folk tale, a poor woodcutter saves a young deer in the forest. As a thank you, he receives valuable advice on how to find joy. But will this advice be enough to bring him lasting happiness?

Although the woodcutter has good intentions, he fails to follow the deer’s advice fully, and it ends up doing him more harm than good.
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In the north of Korea, near the famous Diamond Mountain, there once lived a young man who made his living as a woodcutter. He came from an extremely poor family, and the wood he chopped and sold to his neighbours was just enough to make a living. Although he was an honest and hardworking man, he could not find a bride because of his poverty. However, he never complained and always worked hard. The villagers said that the sound of his axe echoed through the forest all day, every day.

One day, while the woodcutter was cutting down trees on the mountainside, he suddenly heard a rustling noise in the forest behind him. He froze – and then he saw a frightened little deer running straight towards him.

“Please, good man, help me, I am in great danger! Hide me!” cried the deer.

The woodcutter did not hesitate to help the frightened animal and quickly hid it behind a pile of chopped wood. Then he continued working as if nothing had happened. Immediately, there came a sound of stomping and panting.

A hunter appeared among the trees. Still panting, he asked the woodcutter, “Did you happen to see a deer here? I almost had it, and then it disappeared. Where could it have run to?”

“Ah yes, I saw him,” replied the woodcutter, “he ran through this way and headed down into the valley. If you hurry, you’ll surely catch up with him.” He gave a nod down the hill.

Without hesitation, the hunter set off towards the valley, and soon he had vanished from sight.

The little deer timidly climbed out of his hiding place and thanked the woodcutter for his kindness.

“Good man,” he said, “I must repay you for saving my life, so…

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