In the rolling hills and dense forests of Flanders, Belgium, there lived two curious siblings named Jan and Jannette. Their days were filled with playful adventures, yet nothing thrilled them more than wandering into the woods near their village. One bright morning, as sunlight dappled through the thick canopy of oaks and beeches, they decided to explore deeper than ever before. The air was alive with the scent of pine, damp earth, and blooming wildflowers, and the forest seemed to hum with a secret energy that only children could feel. It was there, in a small clearing, that they first glimpsed the legendary sugar-candy house, a dazzling creation that shimmered like a dream among the trees.
As they walked, their laughter echoing between the trees, something unusual caught their eyes. Nestled in a small clearing was a house unlike any they had ever seen, a dazzling structure made entirely of sugar-candy. Its walls were gingerbread, baked golden brown and adorned with icing swirls; the roof glistened with sugar crystals, and candy canes framed the windows. Gumdrops dotted the pathway, and chocolate tiles shone in the sun. It was a spectacle so sweet and marvelous that the siblings’ mouths watered instantly.
“Look at that, Jannette!” Jan whispered, his eyes wide. “A house made of candy!”
Jannette’s eyes sparkled with delight. “It must be magical! Let’s try a little piece.”
With careful hands, they reached for the sugary roof and nibbled at the chocolate tiles and icing. The sweetness melted on their tongues, filling them with delight, and they laughed with joy, unaware of the danger that lurked within.
Inside the candy house lived a cunning wolf named Garon. His fur was as dark as the forest shadows, and his eyes gleamed with sly intelligence. Garon had lived in the candy house for many years, using its sweetness to lure unwary wanderers. Hearing the crunch of candy and the children’s giggles, he slowly crept toward the window.
When Jan and Jannette finally noticed movement inside the house, their delight turned to fear. Garon’s eyes met theirs, sharp and predatory, and he grinned a wolfish grin. “Ah, little morsels,” he growled softly, “you’ve found my home… and I’ve found you.”
Jan grabbed Jannette’s hand, trying to pull her away, but the wolf blocked their path. Panic surged through their young hearts as they realized that the enchanting house was a trap. Garon moved closer, his voice smooth and enticing, “Do not be afraid. Come inside. There is more candy where that came from.”
But Jan remembered the warnings their mother had given them about strangers and trickery. Summoning all his courage, he whispered to Jannette, “We must not trust him. There is a way out, follow me!”
Looking around, they spotted a small opening at the back of the house. With quick, quiet steps, they crept through the gap, keeping low to avoid the wolf’s notice. Garon, realizing they were escaping, let out a furious howl that echoed through the trees, but the children ran faster than fear itself, weaving through the forest as the branches whipped past their faces.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached the edge of the woods and stumbled into the familiar fields near their village. Gasping for breath, hearts pounding, they looked back at the forest. The candy house had vanished, as if it had never existed, leaving only the rustle of leaves behind.
Jan and Jannette hugged each other tightly, relief washing over them. “We must always be careful,” Jannette said, still trembling. “Not everything that looks sweet is good.”
From that day onward, the siblings never ventured too deep into the woods without caution, and they carried with them the memory of the magical yet dangerous candy house, a lesson in curiosity, wisdom, and courage that would last a lifetime.
Moral Lesson
The Sugar-Candy House teaches that appearances can be deceiving. Curiosity is a gift, but it must be balanced with caution and wisdom. Danger often hides behind things that seem delightful, and courage combined with quick thinking can help overcome even the most cunning threats.
Knowledge Check
- Who are the main characters in “The Sugar-Candy House”?
The main characters are Jan and Jannette, two adventurous siblings from Flanders, Belgium. - What is the significance of the sugar-candy house?
It symbolizes temptation and the hidden dangers behind seemingly delightful appearances. - Who is Garon in the folktale?
Garon is the cunning wolf who lives in the candy house and tries to trap Jan and Jannette. - What moral lesson does the story teach?
The tale emphasizes that curiosity should be tempered with caution, and that appearances can be deceiving. - Where does the story originate?
It originates from Flanders, Belgium, and was collected by Jean de Bosschère. - How do Jan and Jannette escape the wolf?
They escape through a small back opening of the house, using quick thinking and courage to return safely home.
Source: Belgian folktale, Flanders.
Adapted from Beasts & Men: Folk Tales Collected in Flanders by Jean de Bosschère.
