In a peaceful village lived a farmer named Somu. He had three sons. The eldest, Kathir, was very intelligent but extremely lazy. The second son, Vimal, was a kind boy but was easily frightened by everything. The youngest, Arun, was hardworking, brave, and always ready to face challenges.
One evening, Somu called his sons with a heavy heart. "Something is coming into our cornfield every night and eating all our crops. I cannot find any tracks or signs of what it is," he said sadly.
Kathir volunteered to guard the field first. However, as soon as he heard a mysterious rustling in the dark, he panicked and ran straight back home. The next day, Vimal went to watch the field. When he heard the same strange sound, his legs began to shake with fear, and he also rushed home.
Arun stepped forward. "Do not worry, Father. I will find out what is happening," he promised.
That night, Arun sat quietly in the field. Suddenly, a magnificent white horse appeared under the moonlight, nibbling on the crops. Instead of running away, Arun approached the horse gently. He realized the horse looked hungry, so he offered it a fresh apple from his bag. To his surprise, the horse nudged him kindly and left behind a small bronze shield as a token of gratitude.
Arun returned the next night with some grains. In return, the magical horse gifted him a silver shield. On the third night, after Arun shared a generous meal, the horse gave him a shining golden shield.
Soon after, the King of the land made an announcement. "Our princess has been trapped in the Valley of Slippery Stones. The path is made of smooth, sliding rocks. Whoever brings her back safely shall be rewarded greatly!"
Kathir tried to climb the valley, but he slipped halfway down and gave up. Vimal tried as well, but the sight of the steep, slippery slope terrified him, and he retreated.
Arun decided to try. He first used the bronze shield, but the rocks were too slippery, and he tumbled down. Next, he tried with the silver shield, but again, he lost his footing and fell. Undeterred, Arun remembered the lessons of his journey. He put on the golden shield, mounted his magical horse, and began the climb again. Even when the horse slipped, Arun gripped tightly and kept moving. His determination was stronger than the slippery stones.
Finally, he reached the princess and brought her back to the palace. The King was overjoyed and rewarded Arun with a high position in the kingdom. His brothers realized that while the shields helped, it was Arun's refusal to give up that truly won the day.
Moral
Success comes to those who keep trying even after they fail.
