The Brave Sister and the Seven Ravens

 The Brave Sister and the Seven Ravens

Once upon a time, in a peaceful village surrounded by dense forests and towering mountains, there lived a kind-hearted man and his wife. They had seven sons, whom they loved dearly, but they longed for a daughter to complete their family. After many years of waiting, their wish finally came true. The mother gave birth to a beautiful baby girl with golden hair and bright blue eyes.

The parents were overjoyed and wanted to celebrate, but their happiness soon turned to worry. The little girl was weak, and they feared she might not survive. The father sent his seven sons to the village well to fetch water for the baptism, hoping it would bless their baby sister with health and strength.
The boys raced to the well, each eager to help. But in their haste, the water jug slipped from their hands and fell into the well. The boys panicked. They knew their father would be upset if they returned empty-handed, so they argued and bickered over what to do next.
Back at home, their father anxiously awaited their return. As the minutes turned into hours, he grew more worried and angry. "Where are those boys?" he muttered. "They must have forgotten their sister in their foolish games!" In frustration, the father uttered words he would soon regret: "I wish they were all turned into ravens!"
No sooner had the words left his lips than a strong wind blew through the house. The father and mother rushed outside, only to see seven black ravens flying away, disappearing into the sky. The parents were devastated. They realized the terrible mistake that had been made, but there was no way to take back the curse.
The baby girl grew stronger each day, and soon she was healthy and full of life. She was named Maria, and as she grew older, she became curious about her brothers, whom she had never met. Her parents, with heavy hearts, eventually told her the tragic story of how her brothers had been turned into ravens because of the hasty words spoken in anger.
Maria was shocked and saddened by the story, but she was also determined. "I will find my brothers," she declared. "And I will bring them back, no matter what it takes."
Her parents tried to dissuade her, fearing for her safety, but Maria was resolute. She packed a small bundle of food, took her mother's blessing, and embarked on a journey to find her brothers.
Maria traveled for many days and nights, through forests, over mountains, and across rivers. She asked everyone she met if they had seen seven ravens, but no one had. Just as she was beginning to lose hope, she came across an old woman who was sitting by a stream, washing clothes.
"Good day, grandmother," Maria said politely. "Have you seen seven ravens flying by?"
The old woman looked up with kind eyes. "I have seen them, my dear," she replied. "They live in a dark, enchanted castle beyond the Crystal Mountain. But be warned, the journey is long and difficult, and the curse can only be broken by a pure heart and a willing sacrifice."
Maria thanked the old woman and set off towards Crystal Mountain. The path was steep and treacherous, but Maria pressed on, determined to save her brothers. When she finally reached the castle, she found it cold and dark, with the only sound being the distant cawing of ravens.
In the courtyard, she saw the seven ravens perched on a stone fountain. As soon as they saw her, they flapped their wings and cawed mournfully, as if recognizing their sister.
Maria knew what she had to do. She took out a knife and cut off a lock of her golden hair, letting it fall into the fountain. She muttered, "I give up a part of myself with this." " "I do it out of love for my brothers. Let the curse be lifted."
As soon as the words left her lips, a bright light filled the courtyard. The ravens were enveloped in the light, and when it faded, the seven brothers stood before her, human once again. They were all overjoyed to be reunited with their sister, who had risked everything to save them.
The brothers and Maria embraced, their hearts full of love and gratitude. They returned home together, where their parents wept with joy at the sight of their children, all safe and whole.
From that day on, the family lived happily, and Maria was celebrated as a hero in their village. The story of her bravery and the love she showed for her brothers was told for generations, reminding everyone that true love and sacrifice can overcome even the darkest of curses.
The End