The story of “Mercury and the Woodcutter” is a classic tale about the importance of honesty and integrity. It teaches us that doing the right thing is always the best course of action, even if it means passing up on a tempting offer. Despite the temptation, the woodcutter chooses to remain honest and eventually has his own axe returned to him, which leads to a lifetime of good fortune. The story highlights the importance of maintaining one’s moral compass, even in difficult circumstances.
The Story:
Once upon a time, Mercury, the Roman messenger god, came to a riverbank and saw a woodcutter who had accidentally dropped his axe into the river. The woodcutter was very upset and begged Mercury to help him retrieve his only tool for making a living.
Mercury took pity on the woodcutter and dove into the river. He came up with a golden axe and asked the woodcutter if it was his. The woodcutter, wanting his own axe back, truthfully replied that it was not his. Mercury then dove back into the river and brought up a silver axe, which the woodcutter also denied owning.
Finally, Mercury brought up the woodcutter’s iron axe and asked if it was his. The woodcutter was overjoyed and admitted that it was indeed his own. Mercury was so impressed by the woodcutter’s honesty and integrity that he rewarded him by giving him all three axes.
The woodcutter was grateful for Mercury’s generosity and went home, feeling very lucky and blessed.
The Moral:
The moral of the story is that honesty and integrity are always rewarded, even if it means passing up on a tempting offer. In the end, it is the satisfaction of doing the right thing that brings true happiness and prosperity.
