Sun, moon and wind

One day siblings Sun, Moon, and Wind went out to dine with their uncle and aunt Thunder and Lightning. Their mother, one of the most distant Stars you see far up in the sky, waited alone for her children’s return.

Both Sun and Wind were greedy and selfish. They enjoyed the great feast that had been prepared for them, without thought of saving any of it to take home to their mother. But the gentle Moon did not forget Mama. Of every dainty dish that was brought around, Moon placed a small portion under one of her beautiful long finger-nails, that Star might also have a share in the treat.

On their return, their mother, who had kept watch for them all night long with her little bright eye, said, “Well, children, what have you brought home for me?” Then Sun, who was eldest, said, “I have brought nothing home for you. I went out to enjoy the food myself – not to fetch dinner for my mother!” And Wind said, “Neither have I brought anything home for you, mother. You could hardly expect me to bring a collection of good things for you, when I merely went out for my own pleasure.”

But Moon said, “Mother, get a plate, and see what I have brought you.” And shaking her hands she showered down such a choice dinner as never was seen before.

Then Star turned to Sun and said, “Because you went out to amuse yourself with your friends, and feasted and enjoyed yourself, without any thought of your mother at home – you shall be cursed. From now on, your rays shall ever be hot and scorching, and shall burn all that they touch. And men shall hate you, and cover their heads when you appear.” And that is why the Sun is so hot to this day.

Next, she turned to Wind and said, “You also forgot your mother in the midst of your selfish pleasures – hear your doom. You shall always blow in the hot dry weather, and shall parch and shrivel all living things. And men shall detest and avoid you from this very time.” And that is why the Wind in the hot weather is still so disagreeable.

But to Moon she said, “Daughter, because you remembered your mother, and kept for her a share in your own enjoyment, from now on you shall be ever cool, and calm, and bright. No noxious glare shall accompany your pure rays, and men shall always call you ‘blessed.”’ And that is why the moon’s light is so soft, and cool, and beautiful, always.

(Source: www.worldoftales.com)