Honest Woodcutter

In the dense forest by the Ganges, a poor woodcutter dropped his axe in the river.

A river spirit emerged, holding a golden axe.

“Is this yours?” she asked.

“No, mine is old and wooden,” he replied.

Then she offered a silver one—he refused again.

Finally, she handed him his old axe, and he smiled gratefully.

Touched by his honesty, she gifted him all three.

His greedy neighbor heard the tale and tried the same trick.

But when he claimed the golden axe, the spirit vanished, taking even his own.