Heungbo and Norbu

Long ago in Korea, two brothers lived very different lives. Norbu, the older brother, was rich but greedy. Heungbo, the younger brother, was poor but kind. After their father died, Norbu kept most of the family property and sent Heungbo away with almost nothing.

Heungbo built a small house and lived there with his wife and children. They often had little food, but Heungbo worked hard and tried to help others whenever he could.

One spring day, Heungbo found a young swallow that had fallen from its nest and hurt its leg. He gently set the leg, cared for the bird, and returned it to the nest. When autumn came, the swallow flew south.

The next spring, the swallow returned and dropped a gourd seed near Heungbo. He planted it beside his house. The vine grew quickly and produced several huge gourds. When the family opened them, rice, cloth, coins, and other treasures poured out. Heungbo used the gifts to feed his family and help neighbors who were struggling.

Norbu soon heard about the good fortune. Wanting the same reward, he found a swallow and deliberately hurt its leg. He then treated the bird and waited for a seed. A gourd vine grew, but when Norbu opened the gourds, trouble came out instead of treasure. His house was damaged, and much of his wealth disappeared.

Ashamed and frightened, Norbu went to Heungbo. Heungbo did not turn him away. He shared food and helped his brother rebuild. Norbu finally understood that kindness cannot be copied only for a reward. He apologized and changed the way he treated people.

From then on, the brothers lived in peace. The story reminds us that kindness grows when it is sincere, while greed often brings trouble.
