The Powerful Fool

If you let me go, I can tell you the address of a treasure buried in this forest. The treasure is so abundant that even if you use it for centuries, it will not run out.

The Powerful Fool

This is the story of a man who possessed extraordinary physical strength but very little wisdom. His real name was something else, but everyone knew him by the strange and popular name Jua Ratta. Jua Ratta was immensely strong, yet extremely foolish. He could eat as much food as fifty ordinary men in a single sitting. His father was deeply worried about him because, apart from eating, Jua Ratta did absolutely nothing useful in life.

One day, someone told Jua Ratta an astonishing story. They said that beyond the northern mountains lay a mysterious valley called Agnistan. Hidden deep within that valley was an enormous treasure. If anyone managed to obtain it, their life would pass in luxury and comfort forever. Hearing this, Jua Ratta became extremely excited. Without thinking much, he decided that very day to set out in search of the treasure.

He walked for hours, and by evening, he reached a small village where he spent the night. Early the next morning, just as he was about to resume his journey, the village chief called him over and said, “Young man, you seem very strong. I want you to stay here and work for me. I will make you rich and provide you with everything you need.”

Jua Ratta replied proudly, “Respected sir, I am going in search of a great treasure. I do not need small wealth.” Hearing this, the chief fell silent, and Jua Ratta continued on his way.

As he traveled further, he passed through a dense forest. Suddenly, his eyes fell upon a deer. Driven by hunger and excitement, he began chasing it. The deer ran swiftly, but Jua Ratta was also incredibly fast. Soon, he managed to catch it.

The deer pleaded, “If you let me go, I can tell you about a treasure buried in this very forest. The treasure is so vast that even if you use it for centuries, it will never end.”

Jua Ratta burst into loud laughter and said, “Do not try to fool me. I am already searching for a treasure far greater than this.” Without another thought, he killed the deer, roasted it over a fire, ate his fill, and continued his journey.

Eventually, he reached the region near the northern mountains. At some distance, he saw an old man sitting peacefully, lost in worship. When the old man noticed Jua Ratta approaching, he called him closer. Upon reaching him, Jua Ratta asked, “O wise elder, do you know anything about the Valley of Agnistan?”

The old man replied gravely, “That valley is known as the Valley of Death. Whoever has gone there has never returned alive. If you are thinking of going there, listen to my advice and turn back. There is nothing but death awaiting you.”

Jua Ratta laughed loudly and said arrogantly, “I am no coward. Even if a giant lives there, I will pick him up and throw him away. I will go there for sure.”

The old man looked at him with pity but said nothing more. He was certain that this young man was walking straight toward his doom.

At last, Jua Ratta reached the entrance of the Valley of Agnistan. What happened next was tragic. An unseen force seized him and dragged him inside. From that day onward, no one ever found out where he went or what became of him.

Jua Ratta could have used his immense strength to improve his own life and help others. He could have accepted the generous offer of the village chief and lived a respectable, comfortable life. He could have listened to the deer and gained wealth without bloodshed. He could have taken the sincere advice of the wise old man and saved his life. But blinded by greed and arrogance, he rejected every opportunity.

He was as powerful as he was foolish. His story teaches a clear lesson: strength without wisdom is dangerous, and greed often leads to destruction. Those who ignore good advice and overestimate themselves usually pay a heavy price, just as Jua Ratta did.