The Tongue-Cut Sparrow
An old man lives with his harsh wife but finds joy in caring for a tame sparrow he loves like a child. His cruel wife mistakes the bird's meal for starch and, in a fit of rage, cuts off its tongue and banishes it from their home. The grieving old man sets out to find his lost friend, calling through the woods until he discovers the sparrow is safe and has grown a new tongue. He learns she is a fairy and follows her to a magical bamboo house where he is treated with great honor. The sparrows offer him a choice of two boxes as a gift, and he wisely chooses the smaller one for his convenience. When opened at home, the small box fills their cottage with gold and silver, bringing them comfort and ease. Greed drives the old woman to demand the larger box from the fairies to gain even more wealth. She arrives at the bamboo house and demands the heavy box without showing any gratitude or shame. The sparrows agree, but they have hidden a terrifying surprise inside it for her selfishness. When she opens the box on her way home, frightening demons leap out and terrorize her. She flees in panic and returns home to confess her cowardice to her husband. The old man tells her that her wickedness has finally met its just reward. Through this experience, the old woman repents of her cruel behavior and becomes kind. They live happily ever after, grateful for the sparrow's enduring friendship.
