Fairy tales for young and old ~ English version

The Pumpkin King's Pact

(Storytober - Day 31 - Pumpkin)
(Happy Halloween!)

 Once upon a time, in a mystical land where the leaves turned golden and the air carried the sweet scent of harvest, there was a village nestled at the edge of an enchanted forest. This village, Harvest Hollow, was under the watchful eye of the Pumpkin King, a majestic figure with a humanoid body and a grinning pumpkin for a head. His eyes glowed with a soft, eerie light, and his presence brought a strange comfort to the villagers.

The Pumpkin King ruled over the spirits of the harvest, ensuring that the delicate balance between the living and the dead was maintained. Long ago, to preserve this harmony, he made a pact with the villagers. "Every year," he declared, "you shall carve pumpkins into lanterns, don costumes, and prepare treats to honor the spirits. In return, the spirits will bless your fields, protect your homes, and ensure a bountiful harvest."

The villagers eagerly embraced this tradition, for they knew the importance of the Pumpkin King's decree. Each year, as the air grew crisp and the leaves turned fiery red, the village came alive with the spirit of Halloween. Men, women, and children gathered to carve pumpkins, transforming them into glowing lanterns that cast a warm, flickering light. They dressed in costumes that ranged from the whimsical to the frightening, and the streets filled with laughter and joy.

One such Halloween night, a young girl named Lorelise found herself irresistibly drawn to the enchanted forest. Known for her curious nature and kind heart, Lorelise longed to meet the Pumpkin King and thank him for the bountiful harvests that kept her village thriving. Clutching a small pumpkin lantern she had carved herself, she ventured into the woods, her heart racing with excitement.

The forest seemed to come alive with the glow of fireflies, casting an otherworldly light on the path ahead. As she walked deeper, Lorelise heard the rustle of leaves and the distant sound of laughter. Following these sounds, she soon arrived at a clearing where the Pumpkin King stood, surrounded by the spirits of the harvest.

"Welcome, Lorelise," the Pumpkin King said, his voice deep and resonant. "I have been expecting you."

Lorelise's eyes widened in awe. "You know my name?"

The Pumpkin King chuckled softly. "I know all the children of Harvest Hollow. You have come to honor the spirits, have you not?"

Lorelise nodded, holding up her lantern. "I wanted to thank you for the harvest and to see you for myself."

The Pumpkin King's eyes glowed warmly. "Your gratitude is heartfelt, and your lantern is beautiful. You have the spirit of the harvest within you, Lorelise."

Touched by his words, Lorelise smiled. "Will you join us in the village? Everyone would be so happy to see you."

The Pumpkin King shook his head gently. "My place is here, watching over the forest and the spirits. But I will always be with you in spirit, guiding and protecting Harvest Hollow."

With a wave of his hand, the Pumpkin King summoned a gentle breeze that carried the scent of autumn back to the village. "Return to your people, Lorelise. Celebrate and remember the pact we have made."

As Lorelise made her way back, she felt a sense of peace and wonder. The village welcomed her return with cheers, and she shared her story of the Pumpkin King and his blessing. That night, the villagers celebrated with even greater joy, knowing that the Pumpkin King watched over them.

From that day forward, the pact was honored with even more devotion. The villagers of Harvest Hollow knew that as long as they celebrated Halloween with carved pumpkins, costumes, and treats, the spirits of the harvest would continue to bless their land.