Amulet Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, a prince and a princess were married and enjoying their first sweet honeymoon. They were both very pleased to have found each other, but they were troubled by the thought: will we be able to stay happy like this until the very end of our lives? Therefore, they constantly dreamed of having a talisman that would protect them from misfortune, evil, and wickedness. They heard that there was a wise old man in the land who lived in a secluded forest, and everyone respected him for his wisdom.

No matter what difficulties or misfortunes others faced, he could provide advice. The prince and princess went to this wise old man and shared their thoughts. After listening for a while, the wise man said:

— Then, my dears, travel the world and visit different lands. If you find a truly happy couple who are completely satisfied with their lives, take a piece of clothing from them and make a talisman to wear around your neck. This is the best method. Upon hearing this, the prince and princess mounted their horses and set off on their journey; they heard about a well-known couple who were said to be much happier than others. They directed their horses to the couple's abode and began to ask them if they were truly satisfied with their lives, as the people said.

 — It's all true, — they replied. Our only sorrow is that we have no children. Of course, the prince and princess thought that they could not take these people as an example for their talisman, and they continued their search for truly satisfied couples. Soon, they entered another city and heard that there lived a family that made a living honestly and peacefully, where the husband and wife were in perfect harmony. They specifically visited them and asked if it was true that they were very happy.

— Indeed! Everything you say is true! — said the husband.

— My wife and I love each other dearly, but we have many children, and with them come worries and needs, as you know, and that is a concern. The prince and princess, thinking that their lives were not suitable for a talisman, continued their journey, announcing that if anyone saw or heard of happy and joyous couples, they should let them know. But they encountered no one. Thus, after searching everywhere, unable to find a truly satisfied couple, they contemplated returning to their homeland. At one point, when they reached a green pasture, they saw a shepherd nearby tending his flock, happily playing a cheerful tune on his flute. From afar, the shepherd's wife was approaching, holding one child by the hand and carrying another in her arms. As soon as the shepherd noticed his wife, he walked towards her, took the little baby in his arms, caressed it, kissed it, and lifted it high above his head in joy. The shepherd's dog was wagging its tail excitedly, barking happily a few times, then ran over to the toddler and began to lick its hand. In the meantime, the shepherd's wife unwrapped a bundle she had and began to prepare a meal.

— Father, come eat your meal. The husband sat down on the green grass and began to eat; he handed the first piece to the little baby, and the next piece he shared with his eldest son and the dog. The prince and princess watched and listened to all of this. They approached the couple and spoke to them.

— Looking at you, we thought you were the happiest couple in the world, whose bond is as pure as cream. Is that true? 

— Yes, what you say is true, — replied the husband.

— Thank God, even the most notable nobles in the world may not be happier than us.

— Then, — the prince pressed on,

— please do us a favor; we believe you will not regret it! Would you be willing to cut us a small piece from the shirts and dresses you are wearing? Upon hearing this, the husband and wife looked at each other in confusion, and the shepherd stood up:

— God is my witness, I would gladly give you not just a piece but my entire shirt, but unfortunately, I have nothing to spare. We have no spare clothing at home, God forbid, — he said, showing the open collar of his worn-out cloak. The prince and princess left, feeling as if they had swallowed poison and were left without words. Tired of their pointless wandering, they decided to head back home. As they passed by the hermitage of the wise old man in the forest, they paused briefly, feeling frustrated with the advice that had led them to such a fruitless quest. The old man, hearing their story, smiled and said:

— Oh my, you say you came here for nothing! Did this journey not give you anything? Did it not teach you anything? —

— No, no, — said the prince, — I realized that being content with your life and all your happiness is a great gift from nature! 

— And I have come to understand one thing, — added the princess, — that being happy is about feeling happy within yourself! The prince reached out to the princess, and they gazed at each other with great tenderness and love. Upon seeing this, the wise old man said:

— You have found the true talisman within your hearts. Cherish it as you would your own eyes, and only then will discontent and greed not enter between you, — and then he vanished. For a long time, the echo of "know-and-be" lingered in the forest.