The Tree of Destiny and the Golden Apple🔊

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far away, there was a golden apple tree that bore apples only once every hundred years. The inhabitants of the kingdom named it 'The Tree of Destiny,' for it was believed that only those predestined could taste the fruit it bore.

Though each harvested apple was golden and shiny, there was a special one that shined the brightest of them all. That apple was known as the 'Golden Destiny,' and only a future ruler with a heart as pure as gold could touch it.

The king of the kingdom, King Reginald, was old and had no heir. The Tree of Destiny was due to bear its rare fruit soon, and so the King issued a proclamation throughout the kingdom – the one who could pick the Golden Destiny would be his chosen successor.

News of the proclamation spread far and wide, and challengers from all corners of the kingdom, neighboring realms, and afar came hoping to be chosen by the Golden Destiny. All eyes were set on the magical tree. On the day the tree bore its golden fruits, excitement, and anticipation filled the air.

Among the crowd of challengers was a peasant boy named Landon. Landon wasn't strong or wealthy, nor was he a highborn, but he had a pure heart that cared for all. As each contender tried and failed to pick the Golden Destiny, Landon watched quietly notably, feeling both his insignificance and a silent conviction in his heart.

Finally, when all had tried and failed, Landon moved forward. The crowd jeered and scoffed at his seemingly absurd audacity. Undeterred, Landon walked up to the Tree of Destiny. He reached out his hand towards the Golden Destiny, and to everyone's disbelief, the golden apple detached itself from the branch and landed softly in his hand. A hush descended upon the crowd, followed by deafening applause.

Landon's courage and pure heart had earned him the kingdom, but his virtues earned him the love of the people. He ruled with fairness, kindness, and wisdom, and his reign was long and prosperous. The people were happy, and peace prevailed, proving that a pure heart could win not just a golden apple, but the hearts of many.

The story of Landon, the peasant boy turned king, was told over generations, turning into a beautiful legend about strength of character and the purity of heart. Each time the Golden Apple bloomed, people remembered the insignificant boy with a heart of gold who became their beloved king. Through this tale, they were reminded that power and riches did not equate to leadership, but a pure heart and a noble spirit did.