Fairy tales for young and old ~ English version

The forest monster

Once upon a time, in a quaint village nestled at the edge of a mystical forest, lived a little boy named Deron. Deron was a kind-hearted and curious child, with a smile that could brighten even the gloomiest of days. Unfortunately, his life took a turn for the worse when his beloved father passed away, leaving him in the care of a wicked stepmother.

This stepmother, who had married Deron's father solely for his wealth, had no love in her heart for the young boy. Filled with resentment and greed, she concocted a wicked plan to rid herself of Deron. One moonlit night, under the guise of a family outing, she led him deep into the heart of the dark forest, known to be haunted by a terrible monster that devoured children.

With a heart heavy with sorrow, Deron found himself alone in the heart of the foreboding forest. The trees whispered eerie secrets, and the wind carried chilling sighs. Fear gripped his young heart as he realized the true intentions of his stepmother. But little did he know, fate had a different plan in store for him.

Suddenly, emerging from the shadows, came the terrifying monster. Towering in size, with razor-sharp fangs and fiery red eyes, the unnamed monster appeared to be the embodiment of nightmares. Its presence alone sent shivers down Deron's spine, and he braced himself for the worst.

But as Deron stood frozen in fear, something unexpected happened. The monster's menacing gaze softened, revealing a glimmer of warmth and compassion. It approached Deron slowly, its heavy footsteps echoing in the silence of the forest. In a deep and rumbling voice, the monster spoke, surprising Deron with its kindness.

"I am the guardian of this forest," the monster said. "Though I may appear terrifying, I mean you no harm, little one."

Deron, trembling with both fear and curiosity, cautiously responded, "Wh-who are you?"

The monster smiled, revealing rows of sharp teeth. "I have no name, for I am but a creature of this ancient forest. I protect these woods and all who enter them."

Deron's fear began to dissipate as he listened to the monster's words. He realized that despite its fearsome appearance, the monster held no ill intent towards him. In fact, it seemed to have a gentle and caring nature.

As days turned into weeks, Deron and the monster formed an unlikely bond. The monster became Deron's guide and protector within the dark forest. It taught him the secrets of survival, how to navigate the treacherous paths, and how to find food and shelter. The monster's deep knowledge of the forest became Deron's greatest asset.

As Deron grew older, he became known as the Forest Wanderer, a young man who had forged a unique alliance with the fearsome monster. Together, they would rescue lost children who found themselves in the depths of the forest. The monster's terrifying presence would often intimidate those who meant harm, ensuring the safety of both Deron and the children he rescued.

But deep within Deron's heart, the memory of his wicked stepmother lingered. The monster could sense his pain and desire for justice. It knew that Deron sought closure and a way to prevent others from experiencing the same cruelty.

With the monster's guidance, Deron devised a plan to lead his stepmother into the heart of the forest, where she would be forever lost. He wanted her to feel the same fear and abandonment she had inflicted upon him. The monster, with its intimidating presence, ensured that she followed Deron's path, unable to escape the forest's grasp.

As they reached the deepest part of the forest, Deron confronted his stepmother. In a voice filled with both anger and sorrow, he told her of the pain she had caused him and the lives she had shattered. The stepmother, filled with fear, pleaded for mercy.

But Deron, fueled by a mixture of vengeance and a desire for justice, remained resolute. With the monster standing beside him, he left her in the heart of the forest, where she would wander forever, lost and alone.

With the stepmother gone, Deron and the monster continued their mission to protect the lost children who wandered into the forest. They became a symbol of hope and resilience, guiding those in need to safety and ensuring their well-being.

And so, the legend of Deron and the fearsome forest monster spread throughout the land. Deron, known as the Forest Wanderer, and the unnamed monster with its terrifying exterior and gentle heart, stood as a reminder that one should never judge solely by appearance. The forest, once feared, became a place of solace and protection, watched over by the Forest Wanderer and his loyal companion.