High in the rugged mountains of Tunisia, where the sunlight turned rocky slopes into golden cliffs, there lived a young shepherd named Youssef. Every morning he guided his flock across the hills, his soft whistle blending with the distant bleating of sheep. Though his life was humble and his family struggled, Youssef was known throughout his village for his quick mind and clever solutions to everyday problems. Yet nothing in his experience prepared him for the tale that had stirred fear and curiosity among the villagers. Deep within the mountains, they said, there lay a cave guarded by a terrifying ogre.
Legends described the ogre as a giant with burning eyes and teeth sharp as knives. His roar echoed through the valleys, and anyone who dared approach his lair was said to vanish without a trace. At the same time, the cave was rumored to hold an immense treasure: gold, jewels, and rare artifacts stolen from travelers over many years. This treasure tempted even the bravest of souls, for it promised to lift anyone who claimed it out of poverty forever.
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Youssef listened to the villagers’ fearful whispers by the fire each evening. His thoughts lingered not on riches alone but on his mother, who worked tirelessly to feed the family, and the children who went hungry while he had the strength to act. A spark of determination ignited within him, and he resolved to face the ogre, not with brute force, but with the one weapon he trusted most, his wits.
At dawn, Youssef packed a small satchel with bread, water, and a sharp knife, then began the steep climb toward the cave. The mountains were harsh, with jagged rocks and thorny shrubs tearing at his clothes and skin, but Youssef pressed on. The air grew colder, the wind more biting, and shadows stretched unnaturally across the path. Soon, he stood at the entrance of the dark cave. The mouth of the cavern gaped like a hungry maw, and the faint scent of damp earth and smoke drifted outward.
Youssef took a deep breath and entered. Inside, darkness swallowed him, and the echo of his footsteps sounded unnervingly like distant drums. Suddenly, a guttural roar shook the cave, and the ogre appeared, taller and more fearsome than Youssef had imagined. His glowing eyes pierced the darkness, and his jagged teeth gleamed as he advanced. Youssef’s heart raced, but he forced himself to remain calm. He remembered the stories of villagers who had tried to fight the ogre and failed. Strength alone would not save him. He needed cleverness.
“Who dares enter my cave?” the ogre bellowed, his voice rattling the walls. Youssef bowed slightly and said, “It is I, a humble shepherd. I seek only to understand why you guard such riches.” The ogre laughed, a sound that rumbled like distant thunder. “You are bold,” he said. “Perhaps too bold. You shall be my meal.”
Youssef’s mind raced. He noticed a pile of bones near the ogre’s feet, remnants of past intruders. He feigned fear and dropped to his knees, whispering, “Oh mighty ogre, I know not the strength of your power. Perhaps you might show me mercy if I offer something in return.” Intrigued, the ogre paused, lowering his massive head.
“I will tell you a secret,” Youssef continued, speaking rapidly. “Beyond the mountains, in the valley, there is another shepherd who knows of a greater treasure. If you leave me alive, I can lead you to it.” Greed flared in the ogre’s eyes. Without hesitation, he stepped aside, demanding Youssef show the way. Youssef led the ogre in circles through the cavern, carefully maneuvering toward a narrow side passage he had noticed. Using his small size and quick thinking, he slipped past the distracted ogre and dashed toward the cave exit. The ogre’s roar followed, but Youssef’s speed and cunning kept him ahead.
Finally, Youssef emerged into the sunlight. He ran down the mountainside, feeling the warmth on his face and the wind at his back. Behind him, he could hear the frustrated roars of the ogre fading into the darkness. He had not only survived but outwitted a creature far stronger than himself. Returning to his village, Youssef revealed the treasure he had taken from the cave, enough to provide for his family and support the community. The villagers celebrated him as a hero, not for his strength, but for his courage, intelligence, and quick thinking.
The story of Youssef and the ogre spread across the mountains and valleys. Parents told it to their children to remind them that cleverness and bravery could overcome even the most terrifying obstacles. The cave remained, dark and mysterious, but its legend no longer frightened the villagers. Instead, it became a symbol of hope, courage, and the power of the human mind.
Moral Lesson: The tale of the Ogre of the Cave teaches that intelligence and courage can triumph over brute strength. Facing challenges with quick thinking and calm determination often brings success, even in the most dangerous situations.
Knowledge Check:
Who was Youssef in the story?
Youssef was a young, clever shepherd known for his quick thinking in his village.What made the cave dangerous?
The cave was guarded by a terrifying ogre that devoured anyone who entered.How did Youssef outsmart the ogre?
He used his wit to trick the ogre into following a false lead and escaped through a hidden passage.What was the reward for Youssef’s courage?
He gained treasure from the cave, which he used to help his family and village.What lesson does the story teach about strength and cleverness?
The story shows that intelligence and courage can overcome physical strength and danger.Why did the villagers celebrate Youssef?
They celebrated him for his bravery, cleverness, and the way he brought hope and resources to the community.
Source: Tunisian Berber folktale. Collected in Tunisian Folktales by Hans Stumme (1893).
