Long ago, when the earth was still young and men and animals shared the same spaces, there lived a poor orphan boy. He had no father or mother, no family to care for him. Alone in the world, he survived only by the work of his hands and the mercy of strangers. Yet despite his struggles, the boy’s heart remained pure. He was gentle, humble, and quick to help others whenever he could.
One day, weary from travel and hunger, the boy set out on a long road. As he walked, he came across three strange beings in need. The first was a Star, trapped and unable to rise back into the sky. The second was a piece of Fire, nearly extinguished, its flames weak and trembling. The third was a River, whose waters had grown sluggish and could not flow freely.
Each of these pleaded for help, and though the boy had little to offer, he stopped to assist them. With patient effort, he freed the Star, rekindled the Fire, and cleared the River’s path. In gratitude, each offered him a gift.
The Star said, “When you are in need, call upon me, and I will guide you.”
The Fire promised, “If danger ever comes near, summon me, and I will protect you.”
The River declared, “When you are in distress, call my name, and I will carry you to safety.”
The boy bowed with gratitude and continued on his journey, strengthened by their blessings.
The Orphan’s Journey
In time, the boy came to a great city ruled by a mighty king. This king had a daughter, a princess so beautiful that her radiance was spoken of throughout the land. Many suitors had come seeking her hand, but none could win her. For she had vowed to marry only the man who could perform a seemingly impossible task: to build a house of gold overnight.
The orphan boy, with nothing but faith and the gifts of the Star, the Fire, and the River, presented himself at the palace. The king and his court laughed at his ragged clothes and empty hands, but the princess insisted he be given the chance. That night, he prayed to the Star. Its light descended, and by morning, a house of shining gold stood before the palace.
The king was astonished, but his greed was greater than his gratitude. Instead of honoring his word, he set another task: “Bring forth a necklace from the depths of the sea, one that no diver has ever found.”
The boy, undaunted, called upon the River. With a great surge, the waters carried him to the ocean’s floor, where the necklace lay hidden. By dawn, he returned with the treasure.
But again, the king’s heart twisted with envy. He commanded a third challenge: “Bring fire that can never be quenched, a flame eternal.”
The boy turned to the Fire he had once saved, and it answered. Its brilliant blaze lit the sky, and the king’s court trembled before its might.
The King’s Betrayal
Though the boy had completed every task, the king refused to keep his promise. He ordered his guards to cast the orphan out, hoping no one would ever remember him. But the princess, moved by the boy’s humility and bravery, defied her father. She declared that she would marry him, for he had proven himself worthy not by wealth or birth, but by courage and kindness.
The king’s rage boiled, but the people rejoiced. They saw in the boy not just a suitor, but a man blessed by heaven and earth, one chosen by forces greater than kings.
Thus, the orphan boy became the husband of the princess. His days of wandering and loneliness ended, and he was honored not just for what he achieved, but for the kindness that earned him the loyalty of the Star, the Fire, and the River.
Moral Lesson
This South African folktale reminds us that kindness, even in small acts, never goes unrewarded. The boy’s compassion toward the Star, Fire, and River brought him blessings that no wealth or power could buy. In contrast, the king’s greed and broken promises only led to disgrace. True reward comes from generosity of spirit and faith in the good we give to the world.
Knowledge Check
1. Who is the main character in the South African folktale “The World’s Reward”?
A poor orphan boy who helps others despite his struggles.
2. Which three beings did the orphan boy help on his journey?
The Star, the Fire, and the River.
3. What gifts did the Star, Fire, and River give to the boy?
The Star offered guidance, the Fire promised protection, and the River pledged rescue in times of distress.
4. What challenges did the king set for the boy to win the princess’s hand?
Building a house of gold overnight, retrieving a necklace from the sea, and bringing fire that could never be quenched.
5. How did the boy complete each of the king’s tasks?
By calling on the Star, Fire, and River, who each fulfilled their promise to help him.
6. What is the moral of “The World’s Reward”?
That acts of kindness and compassion bring blessings and rewards, while greed and dishonesty lead to downfall.
Source: South African folktale
