The Young Giant

Once upon a time, there lived a poor farmer and his wife, who had no children. They often wished for a child, no matter how small or unusual he might be. One day, to their astonishment, their wish came true—but not in the way they expected. The farmer’s wife gave birth to a tiny baby who was no larger than a thumb! They named him Little Hans.

Though Hans was small, he was cheerful and bright. He worked hard to help his parents on their little farm. But one day, a mysterious giant appeared at their door. He was so tall that his head nearly touched the clouds! The giant looked at Hans and said, “This little boy has a strong heart. Let me take him with me, and I will raise him to be as big and strong as I am.”

The farmer and his wife were hesitant, but the giant promised to take good care of Hans and return him after a few years. Hans, curious and brave, agreed to go. “I want to grow big and strong!” he said.

The giant carried Hans away to his cave deep in the mountains. For seven years, the giant taught Hans many things—how to lift great weights, how to leap over rivers, and how to uproot trees with a single hand. Under the giant’s care, Hans grew taller and stronger each day. By the time seven years had passed, Hans had become a giant himself!

When the time came for Hans to leave, the old giant said, “You are strong now, but remember: with great strength comes great responsibility. Use your power wisely.” Hans thanked the giant and set off to explore the world.

Hans returned to his parents’ farm, but he was so large now that they didn’t recognize him. “Good day!” Hans called, his deep voice booming. “I’m your son, Little Hans!” His parents were shocked but overjoyed. They had never imagined their tiny boy would grow into such a strong young giant.

Though Hans was glad to see his parents, he realized that he was too big to stay on their small farm. He needed to find his place in the world. So, Hans set out again, determined to use his strength for good.

One day, Hans came to a kingdom where a wicked ogre had been terrorizing the land. The king had offered a great reward to anyone who could defeat the ogre, but no one had been brave or strong enough to try. When Hans heard about this, he decided to help. “I’ll take care of this ogre,” he said confidently.

The people of the kingdom were skeptical, but Hans was undeterred. He marched to the ogre’s cave and found the fearsome creature sitting on a pile of treasure. The ogre laughed when he saw Hans. “You think you can defeat me, boy?” he sneered.

Hans didn’t answer. Instead, he grabbed a tree trunk, swung it like a club, and knocked the ogre flat on the ground. The fight was over in moments. Hans tied up the ogre and brought him back to the kingdom, where the people cheered and the king rewarded him with gold.

Hans could have kept the treasure for himself, but he decided to use it to help others. He gave most of the gold to the poor and used the rest to rebuild the farms and villages that the ogre had destroyed.

As Hans traveled from one place to another, his fame grew. Everywhere he went, people welcomed him as a hero. But Hans never let his strength or fame go to his head. He remembered the old giant’s advice and always tried to use his power for good.

One day, Hans came to a village where a farmer was struggling to plow his fields. The soil was rocky, and the farmer’s oxen were too weak to pull the plow. Hans offered to help. “I can plow your fields faster than any ox,” he said. And true to his word, Hans cleared the fields in a single afternoon, earning the farmer’s gratitude.

In another village, Hans met a group of children who were trying to cross a river. The bridge had collapsed, and the water was too deep for them. Hans waded into the river and carried the children safely to the other side. The children laughed and cheered, calling Hans their hero.

Over time, Hans became known not just for his strength but also for his kindness. He never used his power to harm others or to show off. Instead, he became a protector of the weak and a helper of those in need.

Eventually, Hans returned to his parents’ farm. Though he had traveled far and wide, he realized that home was where he truly belonged. He helped his parents expand their farm and used his strength to make their lives easier. Hans lived a simple but fulfilling life, always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need.

And so, the young giant, once no bigger than a thumb, became a gentle and beloved hero. His story reminded everyone that true strength lies not just in muscles, but in the kindness of one’s heart.