The Woodpecker, Tortoise, and Deer

A Woodpecker, a Tortoise, and a Deer were true friends. They lived near a beautiful lake. One day, a Hunter trapped the Deer in a strong leather snare. “Help!” cried the Deer.

The Woodpecker flew down and saw the trap. “I cannot break this leather,” he said. “But the Tortoise has strong jaws. He can chew through it. I will delay the Hunter.”

The Tortoise arrived and began to gnaw at the tough leather strap. Chew, chew, chew. It was slow work. Meanwhile, the Hunter was coming. The Woodpecker flew at the Hunter. Peck! Flap! He hit the Hunter in the face with his wings. “Bad luck!” shouted the Hunter, swatting at the bird. He turned back home, thinking it was a bad omen. But then he decided to try again.

The Woodpecker attacked again, pecking his hat. The Hunter was delayed. Just as the Hunter reached the trap, the Tortoise chewed through the last strap. Snap! The Deer sprang free and ran into the woods!

But the poor Tortoise was too slow. The Hunter grabbed him and put him in his bag. “I lost the deer, but I have a tortoise,” he grumbled.

The Deer saw this. “I must save him!” She walked out into the clearing and limped, pretending to be lame. The Hunter saw her. “Oh, the deer is injured! I can catch her easily!” He dropped the bag with the Tortoise and chased the Deer. The Deer led him deep into the forest, then suddenly sprinted away.

While the Hunter was gone, the Woodpecker flew down and untied the bag. The Tortoise crawled into the water. When the Hunter came back, he had nothing. The three friends met later, safe and happy, proving that different skills make a strong team.

Moral of the Story: True friends help each other in times of trouble. United, we can overcome any danger.