The Story of Coconut Head

Once upon a time, there was an elderly couple who lived in a small village. Despite their years of hard work and kindness, they were unable to have children. One day, the wife ventured into the forest to collect firewood. The scorching sun made her incredibly thirsty, and while searching for water, she stumbled upon a coconut shell filled with rainwater at the base of a tree. Desperate for water, she drank from it, unknowingly leading to a miraculous event—she became pregnant.

The Unusual Birth of the Coconut Head

Soon after, the husband passed away, leaving the woman to care for the child alone. When the baby was born, it was a peculiar sight—a round, coconut-like child with no arms or legs. Despite his unusual appearance, the baby spoke and pleaded, “Mother, I am a person, please don’t abandon me.” Touched by his words, she decided to raise him, naming him "Coconut Head." As Coconut Head grew, he remained round and immobile, unable to perform heavy tasks, which burdened his mother. Yet, understanding his mother's struggles, he asked to tend the cows for a local wealthy man, hoping to ease her worries.

Coconut Head and His Unique Talent

At first, the wealthy man doubted Coconut Head's abilities, but since he didn't need much food, he agreed to give him a chance. Surprisingly, Coconut Head proved to be a skilled herder, and the cows became healthier and more prosperous under his care.

During harvest season, the wealthy man’s three daughters took turns delivering food to Coconut Head. The older two sisters mocked him, but the youngest, kind-hearted daughter, treated him with respect. One day, while bringing food to him, she heard the sweet sound of a flute playing from a nearby hill. Curious, she ventured closer and was amazed to see a handsome young man playing the flute. But when she looked away and looked back, the handsome young man had disappeared, and only Coconut Head remained. She soon realized that the young man was, in fact, Coconut Head and began to fall in love with him.

The Proposal and the Challenge

As the season for cow herding ended, Coconut Head asked his mother to approach the wealthy man for his daughter's hand in marriage. The wealthy man, seeing the unusual suitor, mocked the request and set forth a series of difficult conditions: a chest of gold, ten pieces of silk, ten fat pigs, and ten jars of wine.

Though the mother despaired, somehow, on the day of the meeting, everything was miraculously prepared, and servants arrived carrying the dowry. The wealthy man, astounded, reluctantly agreed to present his daughters to Coconut Head. The older sisters sneered and refused, but the youngest happily accepted his proposal.

Transformation and Triumph

On their wedding day, Coconut Head miraculously transformed into a handsome, strong young man, stunning everyone who witnessed the change. After the wedding, he focused on his studies, eventually passing the royal exam and becoming a highly respected scholar.

The Betrayal of the Sisters

However, Coconut Head's happiness was short-lived. His two jealous sisters plotted against his wife, pushing her into the sea while he was away. The wife was swallowed by a giant fish but managed to escape by using a knife gifted by her husband. She drifted to a deserted island, where she survived by roasting fish and caring for two eggs she had kept. One day, the eggs hatched into a rooster and a hen, and the rooster crowed, “It’s the scholar’s ship, come to bring my wife back!”

Recognizing his wife, Coconut Head joyfully retrieved her. After a celebratory feast, the sisters, ashamed of their actions, fled, never to be seen again.

The Moral of the Story

The story of Coconut Head teaches valuable lessons about kindness, perseverance, and the importance of inner qualities over outward appearances. Despite his unusual form, Coconut Head demonstrated that talent and character are far more important than physical traits. The story also highlights the virtues of true love, loyalty, and understanding, as shown by his devoted wife. It reminds us that with love and determination, even the most unlikely heroes can overcome adversity.