Story. Heungbu Nolbu 흥부 놀부

Summary

In a tale of contrasting fortunes, the greedy older brother Nolbu and the kind younger brother Heungbu navigate the consequences of their actions. After Nolbu inherits their parents' wealth and evicts Heungbu, the latter's kindness leads to a miraculous bounty of pumpkins that bring him fortune. Envious, Nolbu mimics Heungbu's actions, but his greed results in disaster, unleashing misfortune instead of treasure. Ultimately, recognizing his mistakes, Nolbu seeks forgiveness and finds redemption by living with Heungbu's family, highlighting the enduring power of kindness and humility.

Takeaways

• 😀 The story revolves around two brothers: the greedy older brother, Nolbu, and the kind younger brother, Heungbu.
• 😀 After their parents' death, Nolbu hoards all the family treasure and forces Heungbu to leave.
• 😀 Heungbu lives in poverty and asks Nolbu for help, but is denied assistance and treated poorly.
• 😀 Heungbu helps a swallow by chasing away a snake, which leads to a broken leg for the baby bird.
• 😀 The swallow rewards Heungbu with a seed the following spring, which grows into large pumpkins.
• 😀 The pumpkins contain rice, gold, and builders who help Heungbu's family live comfortably.
• 😀 Nolbu, envious of Heungbu's fortune, injures a swallow to receive a similar reward but faces disastrous results.
• 😀 The pumpkins Nolbu plants yield dirty water and monsters that ruin his life, leaving him destitute.
• 😀 Heungbu offers Nolbu a chance for redemption by inviting him to live with his family despite past grievances.
• 😀 The story concludes with Nolbu realizing his mistakes and finding happiness living with Heungbu's family.

Q & A

What is the primary conflict between the two brothers in the story?

The primary conflict is that the greedy older brother, Nolbu, takes all the treasure from their parents and kicks his kind younger brother, Heungbu, out of the house.

How does Heungbu demonstrate his kindness in the story?

Heungbu demonstrates his kindness by rescuing a baby swallow from a snake and caring for its injured leg.

What significant event occurs when Heungbu plants the seed given by the swallow?

When Heungbu plants the seed, it grows into large pumpkins that contain rice, gold, and builders who construct a wonderful house for him and his family.

What motivates Nolbu to harm the swallow?

Nolbu is motivated by jealousy and greed; he wants to replicate Heungbu's fortune by harming a swallow and receiving a seed.

What happens when Nolbu opens the pumpkins he planted?

When Nolbu opens the pumpkins, instead of treasures, he finds dirty brown water, monsters that attack his family, and thieves who steal everything from their house.

How does the story conclude for both brothers?

The story concludes with Nolbu realizing his mistakes after becoming poor and accepting Heungbu's invitation to live with him, leading to a happy life together.

What moral lessons can be drawn from this story?

The story conveys moral lessons about the virtues of kindness and generosity, and the consequences of greed and malice.

How does Heungbu's family react to the pumpkins?

Heungbu's family is excited and joyful when they discover the treasures hidden inside the pumpkins, celebrating their newfound fortune.

What role do the swallows play in the narrative?

The swallows serve as symbols of kindness and reward, as they bring good fortune to Heungbu and ultimately illustrate the consequences of Nolbu's greed.

Why is the story titled after Heungbu rather than Nolbu?

The story is titled after Heungbu to highlight the theme of kindness triumphing over greed, showcasing the positive impact of Heungbu's actions.