Long ago, in the rocky valleys of the Atlas Mountains, a small Amazigh village thrived on simple farming and herding. The people were content with little, for the land was harsh, and survival required humility. Yet, in every village, there is always someone whose heart craves more than what the earth offers.
In this village lived a man named Harun. Unlike his neighbors, who worked hard and shared their harvests, Harun was restless. He dreamed of riches, of gold and jewels, and of living above everyone else. The whispers of old legends stirred his imagination: somewhere in the mountains lay a hidden cave filled with treasure left behind by spirits. The elders often warned that such caves were guarded by forces far beyond human strength, but Harun’s heart burned with greed.
One hot afternoon, as he wandered alone, Harun met a frail old man resting under a cedar tree. His white beard flowed down his chest, and his eyes gleamed with wisdom. “Why do you roam the mountains with such hunger in your eyes?” the old man asked.
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Harun confessed his desire. The old man studied him and finally said, “There is indeed a cave of treasure, but it will test your soul. When you enter, take only what you need, and leave before your desire blinds you. If you forget this, you will never return.”
Harun promised quickly, though his heart laughed silently at the warning. He demanded the location, and the old man, with a heavy sigh, told him of a hollow behind the cliffs where the wind howled like voices.
That very night, with the moon hanging bright, Harun found the cave. Just as the old man had said, the entrance moaned with the wind as though spirits whispered within. He lit his small lantern and stepped inside.
The cave glittered with wonders. Piles of gold coins shone like sunlight. Silver cups, necklaces, and crowns lay scattered. Precious stones winked in the dark. Harun gasped, his hands trembling. He remembered the warning, take only what you need. At first, he filled his bag with a few coins and jewels. That alone was enough to feed him for years.
But as he turned to leave, his eyes fell upon a golden chest carved with strange symbols. He opened it and saw pearls that glowed like stars. His heart pounded. “Why stop now? This is my chance to be richer than kings!” he muttered.
He grabbed more and more, his bag overflowing. The weight grew heavy, but his greed urged him on. Suddenly, the ground shook. The lantern flickered, and a deep voice thundered from the walls, “You were warned, mortal. Greed devours its own master.”
The entrance began to close, stone grinding against stone. Harun panicked, dropping coins as he stumbled toward the opening. He reached out, but the gap sealed with a final crash, leaving him trapped in darkness forever.
Days passed, and the villagers wondered where Harun had gone. Some said he had run away. Others whispered that the spirits had taken him. Only the old man under the cedar tree knew the truth. “Desire without limit,” he told those who asked, “is a prison stronger than iron.”
And so, the cave remained hidden, waiting silently, filled with treasures no hand could touch.
Moral Lesson
The story of The Treasure of the Hidden Cave teaches us that greed blinds the heart and destroys even the wisest plans. True wealth lies not in endless possessions but in knowing when enough is enough. Humility, contentment, and respect for limits bring more peace than gold ever could.
Knowledge Check
What is the main theme of The Treasure of the Hidden Cave?
The story explores greed, humility, and the consequences of human desire.Who warned Harun about the cave and its dangers?
A wise old man resting under a cedar tree warned him.What was Harun told to do when entering the cave?
He was told to take only what he needed and leave before greed overtook him.What happened when Harun ignored the warning?
The cave sealed shut, trapping him inside forever.What lesson does the hidden cave symbolize in the story?
It symbolizes the dangers of unchecked desire and the limits humans must respect.Why is this Moroccan Amazigh folktale still important today?
It remains relevant because it teaches that greed leads to destruction while humility ensures survival and peace.Origin
Source: Moroccan Amazigh folktale recorded by René Basset in Contes Populaires Berberes (1887).
