It is a hot summer’s day. A Woodcutter is cutting wood in the forest.
Woodcutter: It’s very hot today. (He wipes his forehead.) But I must cut more wood. My mother is very sick. I must buy her some medicine.
The Woodcutter is busy cutting wood. Suddenly, his ax slips from his hands and goes flying into a nearby pond.
Woodcutter: Oh, no! My ax fell into the pond! That was my only ax! I still have to cut more wood. What shall I do? My poor mother!
The Woodcutter sits near the pond and just stares into the water. Then he starts to cry.
Spirit: Young man, why are you crying?
Woodcutter: My ax fell in the pond. It was my only ax. I can’t get it out.
Spirit: You are crying because of an ax?
Woodcutter: No. I am crying because of my poor mother. I have to cut a lot of wood to buy my mother’s medicine. But without my ax, I can’t cut any wood.
Spirit: Hmmm……Well then, I shall find your ax. Just wait here.
The Spirit disappears into the pond for a few minutes and comes out with a shiny ax.
Spirit: Is this your ax?
Woodcutter: No, sir. That is not my ax. That ax is made of gold.
Spirit: Are you sure? Look again!
Woodcutter: Yes, I am very sure. That is not my ax.
Spirit: Wait again. I will be back.
The Spirit disappears into the pond again and comes back with another ax.
Spirit: Is this your ax?
Woodcutter: No, no! that is not my ax, either. That is a silver ax. My ax is not made of silver.
Spirit: Look carefully!
Woodcutter: My ax is made of iron. That one is not mine.
Spirit: I am very sorry. This time I will get the right one. Please wait.
The Spirit disappears and comes back with an iron ax.
Spirit: Is this your ax?
Woodcutter: Oh, yes, yes! That is mine! That is my iron ax! You have found it at last. Thank you so much. I shall always be grateful.
Spirit：Hum…… You are an honest man and a devoted son. I shall give you all three axes. Take them and go home now. Take good care of your mother.
Woodcutter: I will. Do not worry. And thank you again.
The Woodcutter goes back to the village and on his way home meets another Woodcutter.
Woodcutter2: Hello, there.
Woodcutter: Hello.
The other Woodcutter sees the golden and silver axes. He looks very surprised and becomes curious.
Woodcutter2: Where did you get those golden and silver axes? They must be very expensive. You are a rich man.
Woodcutter: I was a poor man, too. But a Spirit came out of the pond and gave them to me.
Woodcutter2: What do you mean? Tell me more, please.
Woodcutter: Well, I was chopping wood. Then my ax fell into the pond. A Spirit came out of the pond and gave these axes to me.
Woodcutter2: Where is that pond? Please tell me!
Woodcutter: It’s in the woods.
Woodcutter2: Okay. Thanks! I shall do the same.
Woodcutter: I don't think that is a good idea. But good luck!