The North Wind and the Sun
A contest of strength between two mighty forces of nature
Page 1
High above the world, where the air was thin and the clouds floated free, lived two great forces of nature: the North Wind and the Sun. The North Wind was mighty and fierce, able to howl through mountains and churn the seas. The Sun was glorious and warm, able to bring life to the green earth and ripen every fruit. One day, as they watched the world below them, they fell into an argument. Each one boasted that they were the strongest, more powerful than the other. The North Wind roared, claiming its gales could shake the very roots of the world. The Sun shone brighter, insisting its gentle warmth was far more powerful than any brute force. Their voices echoed across the vast sky, but neither would agree.
Page 2
As the North Wind and the Sun continued their spirited debate, their attention was drawn to a solitary figure making his way along a winding path far beneath them. The traveler walked with a steady, determined pace, his shoulders hunched slightly against the morning chill, his body enveloped in a thick woolen cloak. He carried a sturdy walking stick, hinting at a long journey ahead. The sight of this man sparked a novel idea in their minds, a way to settle their ongoing argument. Instead of grand displays of power, they would test their strength on this one individual. They wondered aloud which of them could truly influence the traveler and make him shed his protective clothing, thereby proving their superior might.
Page 3
A challenge was quickly proposed and accepted. "Let us see," declared the North Wind, its voice rumbling with anticipation, "who can make that traveler below take off his heavy cloak! The one who succeeds will undoubtedly be declared the strongest." The Sun, ever calm and wise, readily agreed to these terms. "Very well," it smiled, its light shimmering. "But you, North Wind, may go first. Let us witness what your mighty power and blustery force can truly accomplish." The North Wind swirled with immense delight and eagerness, impatient to prove its strength. It positioned itself directly above the rugged mountain pass where the traveler was just beginning his arduous ascent, its grey clouds darkening the sky with a growing intensity. The Sun gracefully moved a little further away, patiently waiting its turn, its golden light still peeking through the gathering clouds, observing the impending contest.
Page 4
The North Wind took a deep, shuddering breath, filling itself with cold air, and then unleashed its first mighty gust. A chilling, powerful blast of air swept down the mountain pass with a sudden roar, tearing at the traveler's cloak and whipping dust and loose, dry leaves into a wild, swirling dance around him. The traveler, surprised by the abrupt and intense cold, instinctively tightened his grip on his heavy woolen cloak. He pulled it even closer around his shoulders, hunching his body against the sudden, fierce assault of the wind. The wind howled furiously around him, trying its absolute best to pry the thick fabric from his determined grasp, tugging at every edge. But the traveler was a sturdy man, well-accustomed to harsh weather and difficult journeys, and he held firm, refusing to let the wind have its way. The North Wind, high above, roared loudly in frustration, witnessing its initial, powerful attempt completely fail.
Page 5
The North Wind was far from pleased by its lack of success. It gathered all its formidable strength, taking another enormous breath, and then blew even harder, unleashing a bitter, biting gale that seemed to scream past the traveler's ears with a piercing sound. The wind swirled relentlessly around him, tugging violently at the edges of his heavy cloak, trying desperately to lift it over his head and rip it from his back. The traveler felt the icy, persistent fingers of the wind trying to pluck at his clothes, chilling him to the bone. He shivered fiercely, but his resolve only hardened. The more the wind tugged and pulled, the more firmly he gripped his cloak, pulling it up even higher around his neck and fastening it tighter. He was determined that the intense cold would not win; in fact, the more the wind attacked, the more he desired and needed to keep his warm covering close.
Page 6
With one last, truly desperate effort, the North Wind gathered every ounce of its remaining strength. It howled and roared with a deafening, terrifying sound that echoed through the narrow pass, creating an almost impenetrable wall of gale-force winds. The wind tried with all its might to tear the cloak from the traveler's back, to rip it to shreds, to snatch it clean away from his grasp. It pushed at him with such overwhelming force that the traveler struggled fiercely to stay on his feet, leaning precariously into the invisible wall of air that threatened to sweep him away. He tightened his grip on his cloak until his fingers ached and his knuckles were white, his shoulders hunched painfully against the relentless assault. His heavy cloak, though buffeted relentlessly by the raging wind, held firm, proving stronger than the North Wind's fury. He would not let it go, no matter how hard the wind blew, for he needed its warmth and protection more than ever in this desperate moment.
Page 7
At last, the North Wind could blow no more. It had used all its strength, raging and roaring with every ounce of its might, but still the traveler held his cloak firmly around him. He had not taken it off; in fact, he had held it even tighter than ever, defying the wind's every effort. Exhausted and utterly defeated, the North Wind's terrible gusts began to fade, their power draining away. The howling lessened to a faint sigh, and the dark, angry clouds started to break apart, revealing glimpses of sky. The traveler, finding a small, naturally sheltered hollow by the side of the treacherous path, huddled inside it for a moment, catching his breath and resting his aching muscles. He was cold and tired, but his cloak was still on, and he had clearly won this small, personal battle against the mighty wind. He looked up, seeing the North Wind's blustery face now fading with a frustrated, defeated scowl.
Page 8
Now, it was finally the Sun's turn to try its strength. It rose majestically higher in the sky, swiftly chasing away the last of the North Wind's retreating, grey clouds. The Sun did not roar or blast with force. Instead, it began to shine gently and warmly upon the entire world below, sending its golden rays cascading down upon the weary traveler. A soft, welcome heat spread slowly over the mountain pass, drying the damp air and warming the cold rocks with a comforting embrace. The traveler, feeling the profound and pleasant change, sighed deeply with immense relief. The bitter cold was gone completely, replaced by a soothing, inviting warmth. He consciously loosened his tight grip on his heavy cloak, though he still wore it, thoroughly enjoying the sudden comfort and ease after his strenuous struggle against the wind. A small, contented smile touched his lips as he continued his journey through the now peaceful landscape.
Page 9
The Sun continued to shine, growing steadily brighter and hotter with each passing moment. Its glorious golden rays poured down, filling the entire valley with a delightful and increasing warmth. The traveler soon began to feel very comfortable, then pleasantly warm, and finally, quite hot beneath his heavy clothing. He paused for a moment by the bank of a calm, clear stream, feeling the strong sunshine intensely on his face and shoulders. He wiped his brow with his sleeve, noticing beads of sweat forming on his forehead. The heavy cloak, which had been so wonderfully welcome against the fierce wind, now felt like an unnecessary and oppressive burden in the escalating heat. With a deep sigh of relief, he unfastened it at his neck and let it hang completely loose, flapping gently in the warm air as he walked a few steps. The Sun smiled down, radiating with quiet triumph, knowing its gentle plan was working perfectly and the challenge was almost won.
Page 10
The Sun poured down its full, glorious warmth until the traveler could stand it no longer. "Oh, it is too hot!" he exclaimed, fanning himself with his hand. With a final, decisive movement, he took off his heavy cloak completely, folded it carefully, and laid it beside him on a smooth, warm rock. He then sat down to rest in the glorious sunshine, enjoying the gentle breeze and the comfortable warmth. The Sun, high above, shone with a brilliant, satisfied smile, knowing it had won the contest. From a distant cloud bank, the North Wind watched silently, its blustery face softened by a quiet understanding. It had learned that gentleness and persuasion can often achieve more than all the force in the world. And so, the traveler continued his journey in comfort.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Read Wonder Tales on your phone
Wonder Tales is available on Android. Get Wonder Tales on Google Play.