Fairy tales for young and old ~ English version

The Candle Maker's Curse

(Storytober - Day 3 - Candle)

Once upon a time, in a town shrouded in eternal twilight, where the sun never rose and the moon cast a pale, ghostly glow, there lived a humble candle maker named Tunas. His candles were no ordinary candles; they held the memories of the departed, flickering with the essence of souls long gone. Each flame danced with whispers of laughter, tears, and stories from the past.

Tunas was a kind-hearted man, his hands worn from years of delicate craftsmanship. He lived alone in a small, cozy cottage at the edge of the town, surrounded by the scent of beeswax and the soft glow of his creations. The townsfolk revered him, for his candles brought comfort and solace to those who mourned.

One evening, as Tunas was preparing a new batch of candles, a chilling wind swept through his workshop. The flames flickered violently, and a sinister presence filled the room. A malevolent spirit had found its way into the candles, corrupting them with darkness. The once comforting light now casted eerie shadows, and the memories within the candles twisted into nightmarish visions.

Desperate to save his beloved craft and the town from the spreading curse, Tunas sought the help of Zhalara, a brave and spirited girl known for her courage and wisdom. Zhalara had lost her parents to the eternal night and understood the pain of the townsfolk. She agreed to help Tunas, her heart filled with determination.

Together, they embarked on a perilous journey to uncover the identity of the malevolent spirit. They ventured into the heart of the forest, where ancient trees whispered secrets and the air was thick with enchantment. Along the way, their bond grown stronger.

In the depths of the forest, they discovered an old, forgotten shrine. It was here that the spirit had been imprisoned centuries ago, a vengeful soul seeking retribution for a grave injustice. The spirit, once a kind and noble guardian of the forest, had been betrayed and cursed by a wicked sorcerer. Consumed by anger and sorrow, the spirit had turned malevolent, lashing out at the world.

Tunas and Zhalara knew they had to break the curse to restore peace. With great courage, they confronted the spirit, their hearts filled with compassion.

"Why do you torment us?" Zhalara called out, her voice steady but gentle. "We wish to understand your pain."

The spirit's form wavered, its voice a chilling hiss. "Understand my pain? You cannot fathom the depths of my suffering. I was betrayed, cursed to an eternity of torment. Now, I seek to make others feel the agony I endure."

Tears welled up in Zhalara's eyes. "We are sorry for your suffering. We want to help you find peace."

Tunas stepped forward, holding a candle he had crafted with the purest memories of love and kindness. "This candle holds the light of forgiveness and compassion. Let it guide you back to the person you once were."

The spirit hesitated, then reached out, its ethereal hand trembling. As it touched the candle, the flame flickered to life, casting a warm, golden glow. The spirit's anger began to melt away, replaced by a serene calm.

"Thank you," the spirit whispered, its voice now soft and filled with gratitude. "You have freed me from my torment."

As the candle's flame flickered to life, the sun rose for the first time in centuries, casting its radiant glow over the land. The townsfolk rejoiced, their hearts filled with hope and gratitude.

Tunas and Zhalara returned to the town as heroes, their bond unbreakable. The candle maker's craft was restored, and his candles once again brought comfort and joy. The memory of their brave journey lived on, a testament to the power of compassion and forgiveness.

And so, in the town where the sun now rose, Tunas and Zhalara lived happily ever after, their hearts forever intertwined by the light of the candles they had saved.