The Golden Snake

In the heart of an ancient forest, hidden from the eyes of men, lived a snake unlike any other. Its scales shimmered like molten gold in the sunlight, and it moved with such grace that even the wind paused to watch. The creatures of the forest called him Noor, which meant light, for wherever he went, he left behind a faint trail of glowing warmth.

But Noor wasn’t just admired for his golden skin. He held a strange and magical gift — a gift so powerful, it could change the entire forest. Noor fed on truth. Yes, truth. Every time a creature spoke a truth from their heart, Noor would grow brighter. His eyes would shine like twin moons, and a flower would bloom wherever he slithered. In this way, the forest stayed green, peaceful, and alive.

All the animals respected Noor. They knew that the forest’s beauty was connected to his presence. Even the mighty lion would lower his head when Noor passed. No one dared to lie in Noor’s presence, for lies would make his glow fade, and his sorrow would turn the forest gray.

One day, however, something strange happened.

A man entered the forest.

He was not like the villagers who lived on the edge of the woods. This man was different — his eyes glittered with greed, and his hands were covered in gold rings. His name was Rafiq. He had heard rumors of a golden snake deep in the forest who could make flowers grow and light up the night. He believed that if he captured the snake, he could sell it for a fortune and become the richest man in the kingdom.

Rafiq walked for hours, cutting down bushes, stepping on plants, scaring birds away. The forest began to sense his presence, and the creatures whispered warnings to one another. Noor, too, felt the disturbance in the balance. He followed the path of destruction and finally came face-to-face with Rafiq.

When Rafiq saw Noor, his eyes widened with amazement. “A golden snake! You’re real!” he gasped. “You will make me richer than the king himself!”

Noor didn’t respond. He just stared at the man with calm, wise eyes.

Rafiq took out a rope and slowly moved forward. “Don’t worry, little snake. I won’t hurt you. I just need you to come with me.”

As he stepped closer, he whispered, “I’m going to make you mine.”

That was the first lie.

Instantly, Noor’s golden light dimmed. The birds above fell silent, the breeze stopped, and the leaves darkened.

But Rafiq didn’t notice. He threw the rope and caught Noor by the tail. Noor didn’t struggle — he simply stared into the man’s soul.

“Why are you fading?” Rafiq asked, now confused.

“You lied,” Noor replied in a voice soft but echoing with power.

Rafiq laughed. “A little lie never hurt anyone.”

With that, the forest trembled. Trees began to lose their leaves. The grass turned brown. Animals ran and hid. Noor’s glow became dull and pale, like a dying ember. Rafiq, now frightened, tried to drag the snake toward the forest’s edge, but he stumbled. Thorns wrapped around his feet, and roots lifted from the earth to block his path.

Suddenly, a voice rang out — soft, innocent, and full of truth.

“Let him go.”

Rafiq turned. A child, no more than ten years old, stood there. Her name was Zoya, and she had wandered into the forest while chasing a butterfly. She had heard the animals crying and followed their calls until she saw the man and the snake.

“You don’t belong here,” she said gently.

“He’s just a snake,” Rafiq snapped.

“No. He’s the heart of this forest,” Zoya replied. “And you’ve tried to steal it.”

Noor looked at her with kind eyes. “Will you speak the truth?” he asked.

Zoya nodded. “I’m scared,” she whispered. “But I know it’s wrong to take something that doesn’t belong to you. I’m sorry I came without asking.”

At those words, Noor’s glow flickered. A single flower bloomed at her feet.

Rafiq backed away. “This is madness…”

But Noor was already changing. His body began to shine once more, his eyes lit up, and from the ground, flowers began to sprout again. The roots released Rafiq’s feet, and he fell to his knees.

“I only wanted wealth,” Rafiq muttered.

“Then take this lesson as your treasure,” Noor said. “Truth brings light. Lies bring ruin.”

With a flash of golden light, Noor vanished into the trees.

Rafiq left the forest in silence, never to return. Zoya, however, walked home safely, carrying with her the memory of the golden snake and the magic of truth.


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Moral:

True beauty, power, and peace come not from greed, but from honesty and purity of heart.


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