Sometimes, true strength lies in the ability to be flexible, not in being rigid. This is a story about a proud tree and a humble plant, and how a single storm revealed who was truly the strong one.
The Tree That Wouldn't Bend
In a dense forest, there stood a proud teak tree named Titus. He was tall and strong, with a massive trunk and branches that reached for the sky. Next to him grew a small, humble reed plant named Bendi.
"I am the strongest being in this forest!" Titus boomed in a deep voice. "No one can defeat me." Hearing this, Bendi replied in a quiet voice, "Dear friend, too much pride is harmful. Even the strong will fall one day."
Titus ignored her words and continued to boast. When a strong wind blew, Titus stood proudly without shaking, while Bendi bent gracefully with the wind until she almost touched the ground. Titus laughed at her, "Look how weak and cowardly you are!"
One day, a storm unlike any other hit the forest. The wind roared and the rain poured down. As usual, Bendi bowed low, and the wind passed harmlessly over her.
But Titus refused to bow. "I will not bend my back for a mere wind!" he shouted defiantly. But the storm grew stronger and stronger with each moment.
Titus began to feel his strength failing him. His massive trunk started to tremble and his branches danced violently. He tried with all his might to stay upright, but in the end, a loud cracking sound echoed through the forest, and the proud tree came crashing down.
When the storm calmed and the sun shone again, Bendi stood up straight. She looked around and saw her friend Titus, the great giant, lying motionless on the ground. That was the end of the proud tree.
🎯 Enrichment & Learning
Values and Lessons Learned
- Pride leads to a fall: Arrogance and overconfidence can be the cause of one's own destruction.
- True strength is in flexibility: The ability to adapt and bend in the face of challenges is a true strength, not a weakness.
- Humility is a virtue: The small, humble plant survived because of its wisdom and humility, while the tree perished due to its pride.
- Respect the forces of nature: The story teaches that it is wise to respect forces that are greater than us and adapt to them rather than foolishly challenging them.
Comprehension Questions
- What was the teak tree, Titus, proud of?
- What did the reed, Bendi, do when the wind blew?
- Why did the tree make fun of the reed?
- What happened to the tree during the great storm?
- Why did the reed survive the storm?
Critical Thinking Questions
- Do you think the teak tree was truly strong? What is your definition of strength?
- What is the difference between being strong and being stubborn?
- Can humility be a form of strength? How?
Practical Application Questions
- Think of a time you were stubborn about something. What was the result?
- When is it good to stand firm, and when is it better to be flexible?
- How can you show humility when you are good at something?
🎨 Interactive Content
Fun Activities
- Science Experiment: Take a dry twig (representing the tree) and a green, flexible blade of grass (representing the reed). Try bending both. Which one breaks? This shows the difference between rigidity and flexibility.
- Drawing Game: Draw the forest during the fierce storm, showing the big tree cracking and the small reed bent low to the ground.
- Role-Playing: Act out the conversation between the proud tree and the wise reed.