Artan and the Dragon🔊

In a tiny village nestled between the snow-capped mountains, there lived a young boy named Artan. Like all the children in his village, he had heard tales of spectacular magic that had kept their village safe from all the dangers of the world. His grandmother always promised him that if he remained kind and hardworking, he would meet the source of their village's protection. And so, Artan diligently and patiently followed his grandmother's advice.

Artan's family had farmed in the harsh mountain terrain for generations, and it required every bit of his resolve to keep them afloat. Nevertheless, he always found the strength to help the elders in the village. Every night, before he clambered into his straw bed, he would gaze out the window and into the star-kissed mountain peaks, hoping to catch a glimpse of the magic.

One day, Artan was helping Farmer Aoshi with his mischievous sheep when a piercing scream rent the air. The villagers rushed to see a black cloud swooping down from the sky, chasing everyone into their homes. No one had ever seen something this horrifying — it was a dragon! Frantic, everyone sought shelter, everyone except Artan. He remembered his grandmother's words about courage and kindness and knew that he had to protect his village.

As the dragon descended, Artan stood his ground in the village square, his heart pounding. He locked eyes with the enormous beast, and mustering all his courage, spoke loudly and clearly, 'Dragon! Leave this peaceful village alone. We mean you no harm!'

Much to Artan's surprise, the dragon paused, its enormous eyes fixed on him with curiosity. 'Why should I spare you, human?' it growled, its voice resonating through the square. Artan swallowed hard and replied confidently, 'Because we have done you no harm and wish only to coexist peacefully.'

The dragon seemed taken aback by Artan's courage and reason. It descended to the ground, not as an attacker, but as a curious observer. Impressed by Artan's selfless act, the dragon revealed that it was the ancient magic being protecting the village. The villagers had forgotten about their pact and stopped believing in magic, which had angered the dragon, leading it to scare them.

Artan's act of bravery and his unwavering belief in magic had reminded the dragon why it had agreed to protect the village. It promised to continue its duty, but under one condition — every year, the villagers were to hold a festival in honor of the ancient magic and should continue believing in it.

From that day forward, the village flourished, remaining a beacon of hope nestled between the snow-covered peaks. The villagers celebrated the Magic Fest each year, reminding each other about the magical guardian who shielded them.

And Artan, who became the village chief, would always tell his grandchildren about the day he stood up to a dragon, instilling in them the importance of believing in magic and the courage to stand up for what they believed in.