Long ago in the valleys of Morocco there lived a poor widow. Her hut stood at the edge of the village, surrounded by rocky paths and scattered fig trees. Life was difficult for her since her husband had passed away, leaving her with no family to depend on. Each day she went to the fields to gather firewood or draw water, living on little more than bread and olives. Although her life was filled with hardship, her heart remained gentle. She believed that kindness was the only treasure she still possessed.
One hot afternoon as the widow carried her bundle of wood along the dusty road she heard a rustle near the stones. Startled, she looked down and saw a large serpent lying in the path. Its scales gleamed green and gold in the sunlight, and its eyes glowed like polished amber. She stepped back in fear, for the villagers often said that serpents brought danger and death. Yet this snake did not strike. Instead, it looked at her with a strange sadness. To her surprise she heard a voice, soft yet clear, rise from the serpent. Good woman, I am weak with thirst. Will you give me water?
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The widow trembled but her compassion was stronger than her fear. She lowered her jar and carefully poured water into a small hollow stone. The serpent flicked its tongue and drank eagerly. When it had finished, it lifted its head and spoke again. You are not like the others who chase me away with sticks. Because of your kindness, follow me. I will show you something few humans ever see.
Hesitant yet curious, the widow followed the serpent as it slithered toward the mountainside. They came to a hidden opening in the rocks. As she stepped through, her eyes widened in wonder. Beneath the earth lay a vast palace of marble columns and glittering lanterns. Golden fountains sparkled in the chambers, and the air was rich with the scent of jasmine. At the center of this hidden world sat a throne, and upon it the serpent transformed before her eyes into a handsome man clothed in silk and crowned with jewels. He said, I am the Serpent King. Many fear me, but in truth I rule this kingdom with wisdom. Because you showed kindness when others showed cruelty, I offer you a place at my side.
The widow could hardly believe her ears. A poor woman such as herself, asked to join a king? Yet when she looked into his eyes she saw not malice but a promise of protection and dignity. She bowed her head and said, If it pleases you, I will stay. And so she became the Serpent King’s wife, dwelling in a palace more splendid than any dream she had dared to dream. Servants brought her fine clothes and rare fruits, musicians filled the halls with music, and for the first time in years she felt joy and safety.
Still, she sometimes thought of her village and the people who once looked down on her. Word spread that the poor widow had vanished, and many whispered she had been taken by spirits. Months later she returned to the village in robes of silk, her face glowing with peace. The villagers were astonished. Some begged to know where she had gone, but she only smiled and said, Kindness opens doors that strength alone cannot. From that day onward they treated her with respect, though they never guessed the truth of her hidden life.
The widow remained with the Serpent King, honored and loved. She learned that wealth and protection were not given to her because of beauty or power but because of one simple act of compassion. The serpent who once lay thirsty by the roadside had revealed himself as a king, and the widow’s life was forever changed by her willingness to give water when she had little herself.
Moral Lesson
The story of The Widow and the Serpent King teaches that kindness has power beyond measure. A single compassionate act can transform one’s destiny. The widow gave water with no thought of reward, yet her generosity led her to honor and safety. The tale reminds us that mercy shown to the lowly, the feared, or the forgotten often returns to us as blessings greater than we can imagine.
Knowledge Check
Who was the widow in the story and what was her life like before meeting the serpent?
She was a poor woman living alone at the edge of her Moroccan village, surviving on little food and struggling daily.
How did the widow first meet the serpent?
She found it weak with thirst on the roadside and gave it water from her jar.
What reward did the widow receive for showing kindness to the serpent?
She was led into a hidden palace where the serpent revealed himself as the Serpent King and offered her marriage.
Why was the widow chosen by the Serpent King?
Because unlike others, she showed compassion without fear or cruelty.
What lesson does the story of The Widow and the Serpent King teach about kindness?
That acts of kindness, no matter how small, can bring unexpected rewards and transform lives.
How did the villagers react when the widow returned from the hidden palace?
They were astonished at her new life and treated her with respect, though they never learned the truth.
Source: Moroccan oral tradition. Documented in: Émile Dermenghem, Moorish Legends (1954).
