Tale of the Bear and the Talking Beech Tree

In a deep, ancient forest, there lived a solitary bear. One day, while wandering through the woods, he encountered a grand beech tree that suddenly began to speak. The tree revealed that it was a magical guardian of the forest and presented the bear with a challenge. If the bear could solve three riddles, he would learn the truth about his true nature.

### **The First Riddle: The River of Light**

The bear's first challenge was to cross a river of pure, dazzling light without getting wet or extinguishing the light. Confused, the bear pondered the riddle and remembered the beech tree's advice to "see beyond appearances." Realizing that the river was not made of water but of reflected light, the bear closed his eyes and followed his instincts. By doing so, he crossed the river unharmed, understanding that true wisdom lies in not being deceived by what meets the eye.

### **The Second Riddle: The Forest of Shadows**

Next, the bear entered a forest where shadows of trees seemed alive and began attacking him. The riddle required him to pass through the forest without fighting the shadows. At first, the bear tried to defend himself, but every blow he struck only made the shadows stronger. He then remembered that shadows only exist where there is light. Calming himself, the bear stopped fighting and accepted the shadows' presence. As he walked calmly through them, the shadows dispersed, teaching the bear that facing fears with acceptance and composure is the best way to overcome them.

### **The Third Riddle: The Stone Heart**

In a clearing, the bear found a massive heart-shaped stone surrounded by petrified animals. The final riddle asked the bear to make the stone heart beat again, freeing the trapped animals. The bear tried to break the stone with his strength, but it was futile. He realized that his aggressive actions only hardened the stone further. Finally, he understood that compassion was the key. The bear approached the stone, embraced it, and began telling it gentle and kind stories. Gradually, the stone warmed and transformed into a real, beating heart, freeing the animals. This taught the bear that the power of kindness and love is greater than brute force.

### **The Bear's True Nature**

Having solved all three riddles, the beech tree revealed the truth to the bear: he was not just an ordinary bear but a prince who had been cursed to live in this form. By demonstrating wisdom, courage, and compassion, the bear had broken the curse. He transformed back into a prince and became the protector of the forest, with the talking beech tree as his trusted advisor.

And so, the bear-turned-prince ruled wisely and peacefully, ensuring that the forest remained a place of magic and harmony.