Once, in a small village nestled between rolling hills and whispering forests of Hungary, there lived a gentle girl named Ilona. She was known throughout her village not only for her bright, curious eyes but also for her unwavering kindness. Every morning, Ilona would wander through the meadows, greeting the birds and watching the flowers sway with the wind, yet her favorite spot was a hidden grove where the rare blue flowers, known as forget-me-nots, bloomed.
One radiant spring morning, Ilona’s mother called her inside with a grave expression. “Ilona, the river has flooded, and many villagers are trapped in the meadows,” she said. Fear and concern surged in Ilona’s heart. Without hesitation, she gathered her cloak and ran toward the rushing waters, guided by the desperate cries of her neighbors.
The floodwaters were wild and merciless, but Ilona’s courage never faltered. She saw a small boy clinging to a branch, terrified and shivering. Bracing herself, she waded through the icy waters, taking great care not to lose her footing. With each step, the waters threatened to sweep her away, yet she pressed on until she reached the boy. Wrapping her arms around him, she whispered words of reassurance. Together, they fought their way back to the safety of higher ground.
Once the danger had passed, the villagers gathered around Ilona, praising her bravery. But the girl’s heart ached for the little boy she had saved. “He is a stranger to our village,” she told her mother. “I fear he has nowhere to go.” At that moment, the boy’s eyes gleamed with an unusual light. “Thank you, kind lady,” he said, “for saving my life. Take this gift as a token of my gratitude.”
From his pocket, he produced a tiny sprig of forget-me-not. It was no ordinary flower: its petals shimmered with a gentle luminescence, and a sweet fragrance filled the air. “Plant it in your garden,” the boy instructed. “It will protect your family and remind you that true courage and loyalty are never forgotten.”
Ilona obeyed, planting the flower carefully in her garden. Over time, it grew, spreading its delicate blue blossoms, enchanting the village with its beauty. True to the boy’s words, the forget-me-not seemed to ward off misfortune, keeping Ilona and her family safe. And whenever villagers passed by, they were reminded of the young girl’s selflessness, which had saved a life and earned a friendship that would be remembered forever.
Yet, as with all magical tales, the flower held a lesson far beyond its beauty. It taught that the courage to act selflessly, even in the face of danger, leaves a lasting impact. The forget-me-not, blooming quietly in Ilona’s garden, became a symbol of loyalty, bravery, and the enduring power of kindness.
Moral Lesson
True courage is measured not by fearlessness, but by the willingness to act for the good of others. Loyalty, bravery, and selfless kindness create bonds that last a lifetime and leave a legacy far greater than wealth or fame.
Knowledge Check
1. Who is the protagonist of “Forget-me-Not”?
Ilona, a kind and courageous village girl in Hungary.
2. What natural feature threatened the villagers at the beginning of the story?
A flood caused by a swollen river.
3. What magical element does the story feature?
A special forget-me-not flower that protects and symbolizes loyalty.
4. What virtue does Ilona exemplify through her actions?
Selflessness and bravery.
5. How does the forget-me-not serve the village?
It reminds villagers of courage and loyalty, while also protecting Ilona’s family.
6. Where does this story originate culturally?
Hungary, part of traditional Hungarian folklore.
