Deep in the Gold Coast, where the sun kisses the earth and the forests whisper ancient secrets, lived a humble farmer named Mybrow. Known for his diligence and modesty, Mybrow yearned to cultivate a field of his own, to grow corn and yams that would feed his family and perhaps bring a touch of prosperity.
One day, while searching for fertile land, Mybrow stumbled upon a lush area adjacent to a dense forest. The soil was rich, the terrain flat—perfect for farming. Unbeknownst to him, this forest was the dwelling of fairies, ethereal beings known to both bless and bedevil those who crossed their paths.
Eager to begin, Mybrow sharpened his machete and commenced clearing the bushes. As he struck the first bush, a voice echoed, “Who is there, cutting down the bushes?” Startled, Mybrow paused. The question repeated, and realizing it must be a fairy, he respectfully replied, “I am Mybrow, come to prepare a field.”
To his surprise, the fairies, in good humor, decided to assist. “Let us all help Farmer Mybrow to cut down the bushes,” one said, and the rest agreed. In no time, the field was cleared, leaving Mybrow both amazed and grateful. He decided to keep this magical assistance a secret, even from his wife.
As the dry season approached, it was time to burn the bush. Hoping for the fairies’ help again, Mybrow struck a tree trunk as he entered the field. Immediately, a voice asked, “Who is there, striking the stumps?” He replied, “I am Mybrow, come to burn down the bush.” Once more, the fairies assisted, and the field was cleared swiftly.
This pattern continued: the fairies helped him chop stumps, gather firewood, dig the field, and plant maize and yams. The crops flourished, promising an abundant harvest. Throughout, Mybrow kept the field’s location and the fairies’ aid a secret.
One day, while the crops were still green and milky, Mybrow’s wife asked to know the field’s location to collect firewood. Initially hesitant, he relented on one condition: she must not answer any questions she might hear. She agreed and set off.
Upon reaching the field, she was awestruck by the bountiful crops. Tempted, she plucked an ear of maize. A voice asked, “Who is there, breaking the corn?” Forgetting her promise, she retorted, “Who dares ask me such a question?” She then picked a yam, and the voice questioned again. She replied, “It is I, Mybrow’s wife. This is my husband’s field, and I have a right to pick.”
The fairies emerged, saying, “Let us all help Mybrow’s wife to pluck her corn and yams.” They harvested the unripe crops, rendering them useless. Distraught, she returned home, unsure of how to explain the catastrophe.
The next day, Mybrow visited his field, only to find it ruined. His dreams of a plentiful harvest dashed, he realized the consequences of broken promises and the importance of respecting the unseen forces of nature.
✧ Commentary:
The story of _Farmer Mybrow and the Fairies_ reminds us that blessings often come quietly, and respecting the mystery of how we receive them is part of the gift. Mybrow was careful, humble, and grateful — and because of this, the fairies helped him achieve what he could not have done alone.
✧ Moral:
When we break promises or speak too soon, we may lose what was quietly working in our favor. Respect brings reward. Impatience can undo everything.
✧ Questions & Answers:
1. Q: Why did the fairies choose to help Mybrow? A: Because he was humble, respectful, and never tried to take more than he needed.
2. Q: What condition did Mybrow give his wife before telling her where the field was? A: He told her not to answer any questions if she heard strange voices.
3. Q: What did Mybrow’s wife do that ruined the crops? A: She answered the fairies when they asked who was picking the crops, revealing her identity.
4. Q: How did the fairies react to the wife’s disobedience? A: They mockingly helped her harvest all the crops prematurely, leaving the field ruined.
5. Q: What deeper lesson does this folktale teach? A: That blessings often require humility, silence, and care — and when those are broken, the gift may be lost.
