In a peaceful village at the foot of the Atlas Mountains in Algeria, lived a young girl named Amira. From the moment she was born, Amira had a special gift — she could hear the whispers of the wind. While others only felt the breeze brush their skin, Amira listened carefully and understood the stories carried by the invisible currents.
Her family often warned her not to pay too much attention to the wind, fearing it was just her imagination. But Amira knew otherwise. The wind spoke truths — about distant places, hidden dangers, and secret hopes.
One year, during a long and harsh drought, the village’s well began to dry up. The earth cracked, crops withered, and animals grew thin. Fear gripped the hearts of everyone. Many villagers searched far and wide for new water sources, but none returned with good news.
One evening, as the sun set behind the rugged mountains, Amira sat quietly beneath the olive tree outside her home. She closed her eyes and listened. The wind whispered softly, “Follow the river sleeping beneath the sands.”
Amira’s heart quickened. She asked her father if such a river existed, but he shook his head in doubt.
Determined, Amira decided to trust the wind. At dawn, with a small clay pot and a sturdy stick, she ventured alone into the arid lands beyond the village.
The sun rose fiercely, but Amira walked steadily, guided by the gentle murmur of the wind.
After hours of searching, she reached a stretch of soft sand near a rocky hill. The wind whispered again, urging her to dig. With trembling hands, she scraped the sand aside. At first, only dry earth appeared. But soon, a cool trickle of water surfaced, moistening the parched ground.
Amira filled her pot with the precious water and hurried back.
The next day, she led the villagers to the spot. Skeptical at first, they dug alongside her, and soon a small spring bubbled forth.
The village rejoiced. Thanks to Amira’s courage and the wind’s guidance, life returned.
But the wind’s lesson did not end there. It whispered, “Protect the earth. Cherish the water, and it will sustain you.”
Amira shared this wisdom, teaching the village to conserve water, plant trees, and live gently on the land.
Years later, the village thrived—not just because of the water found beneath the sands, but because they learned to listen to the world around them, just as Amira did.
✧ Commentary
This folktale celebrates intuition, courage, and respect for nature. Amira’s ability to hear the wind symbolizes deep listening—being attuned to the world’s subtle messages. The story reflects the reality of drought-prone regions in Algeria, emphasizing sustainable living and environmental care. It also highlights the power of trust in unseen guidance and the importance of community cooperation in survival.
✧ Moral
Listening deeply to nature and trusting your inner voice can lead to solutions in difficult times. Caring for the environment ensures life’s renewal. Courage and wisdom often come in quiet moments.
✧ Questions & Answers
1. Q: What special gift did Amira have? A: She could hear and understand the whispers of the wind.
2. Q: What problem did the village face? A: Their water well dried up during a drought.
3. Q: How did Amira find water? A: By following the wind’s whisper and digging beneath the sands.
4. Q: What lesson did the wind give after the water was found? A: To protect and cherish the earth and water.
5. Q: Why is listening to nature important? A: Because it guides us toward balance and helps us survive difficult times.
