Taro’s Reward summary

“Taro’s Reward” is a Japanese folk tale about kindness, devotion to parents, and the way greed can destroy blessings. The story is set in a small village during a harsh winter. Taro is a poor woodcutter who lives with his old parents. His family has very little money, and life is difficult, but Taro is cheerful and hardworking. Every day he goes to the mountains, cuts wood, and sells it in the market. Whatever little he earns, he spends on food and basic needs for his parents. He never complains because his greatest happiness is seeing his parents comfortable.

One cold night, Taro’s parents sit near a weak fire, shivering. They remember the days when they were young and talk about how a cup of warm sake used to comfort them during winter. They say gently that they wish they could drink sake again to feel warm. Hearing this small desire breaks Taro’s heart. He feels ashamed that he cannot buy even a simple drink for them. Still, he promises them softly that he will try his best.

The next morning, Taro climbs the snow-covered mountain to cut wood. The weather is freezing, and the snow is thick, but Taro continues his work patiently. While walking deeper into the forest, he hears the sound of a waterfall. Curious, he follows the sound. When he reaches the place, he is shocked. The waterfall is not flowing with water but with sake. The smell confirms it. Taro immediately thinks of his parents. Without wasting time, he fills a bottle with the sake and rushes home through the snow.

At home, Taro warms the sake and serves it to his parents. They are surprised and delighted. As they drink it, they feel warm and cheerful. Their faces brighten, and they become lively again. Taro feels satisfied, not because he found something valuable for himself, but because his parents are happy. He does not think of selling the sake or taking advantage of the miracle. It is simply a gift he uses for his parents’ comfort.

However, the villagers soon hear about the magical sake waterfall. People gather quickly, carrying buckets and pots, hoping to get free sake for themselves. Instead of approaching quietly, they shout, push one another, and behave greedily. Their selfish excitement disturbs the peace of the forest. As they scoop more and more, the miracle fades. The sake flow stops and turns into ordinary water. The villagers are disappointed, but they do not realize that their greed caused the blessing to disappear.

Later, the king hears of the incident. He is curious why the sake appeared only once and only for Taro. After investigating, he learns about Taro’s honesty and love for his parents. The king is deeply impressed by Taro’s unselfish nature. He calls Taro to the palace, praises his devotion, and rewards him with gold and property so that his family never suffers again. To honor him publicly, the king declares that the waterfall will be known as “Taro’s Waterfall.” Taro returns home respected and secure.

The tale teaches that true blessings come to those who are kind and selfless, while greed destroys good fortune. It also highlights respect and care for parents as one of the greatest virtues. Taro’s reward is not only wealth but also the honor earned through his goodness.