The Forest Ouphe Story | Stories for Teenagers | @EnglishFairyTales

Summary

A humble couple, Will and Kitty, are visited by the mysterious 'Oof of the Wood,' who leaves them a sack of gold as a reward. Though their newfound wealth brings them luxury, it also leads to discontent, as they become disconnected from their simple, happy life. Kitty experiences a vivid dream in which their riches cause their downfall, prompting her to reject further rewards. In the end, the couple opts for a simple life, asking only for a strong horse. They continue to live peacefully with their baby, filled with love and happiness.

Takeaways

• 🌲 The 'Oof of the Wood' is a mythical being who lives in underground palaces filled with gold and gems.
• 🗝️ The Oof carries grass keys to find his way back whenever he leaves his underground home.
• 💸 Will and Kitty dream of being rich, wishing for a luxurious life with servants, carriages, and fancy meals.
• 🔥 Will and Kitty welcome a cold stranger into their home, not knowing he is the Oof of the Wood.
• 💰 The Oof leaves a generous reward of gold after staying with them, but Will and Kitty initially choose to take only 50 gold coins.
• 👗 Over time, Will and Kitty start spending more money on luxuries—furniture, clothes, servants, and even a mansion.
• 😔 As their wealth grows, their happiness fades, leading to arguments and frustration over their extravagant lifestyle.
• 👶 Their baby, Richard, suffers from neglect due to their pursuit of wealth and material comfort.
• 💭 Kitty has a vivid dream where their happiness is destroyed by their greed, making her realize that wealth doesn't guarantee peace.
• 🐴 In the end, Will and Kitty reject further wealth from the Oof and ask only for a strong horse, choosing to live happily and simply as before.

Q & A

Who is the 'oof of the wood' in the story?

The 'oof of the wood' is a mystical being who lives in underground palaces of gold and gems and rarely comes above ground. When he does, he carries grass keys to help him find his way back.

What does Kitty wish for in the beginning of the story?

Kitty wishes that they were rich so she could wrap her child in velvets and silks, her husband wouldn't have to work hard, and they could live a life of luxury with servants.

How does the 'oof of the wood' reward Will and Kitty?

The 'oof of the wood' leaves a large sack of gold as a reward for Will and Kitty after staying in their house for the night.

What changes do Will and Kitty make after receiving the gold?

After receiving the gold, Will and Kitty buy new furniture, beautiful silk clothes, hire servants, and eventually build a grand mansion to replace their simple cottage.

How does their new lifestyle affect Will and Kitty?

Their new lifestyle leads to boredom, frustration, and unhappiness. They become detached from their old lives and their child, and their relationship suffers as a result.

Why does Kitty start to feel miserable despite their wealth?

Kitty feels miserable because, despite their newfound wealth, the love, peace, and happiness they once shared are gone. The constant noise from construction, the baby’s crying, and their growing dissatisfaction with each other contribute to her misery.

What does Kitty dream about during the story?

Kitty dreams of losing all the money and facing the consequences of their lavish lifestyle. She fears losing their child to the servants, and in her dream, the wealth causes their happiness to vanish.

How do Will and Kitty react when the 'oof of the wood' offers another reward?

Will and Kitty refuse any further rewards from the 'oof of the wood,' realizing that wealth could spoil their peaceful, happy lives. They only request a strong horse.

What lesson do Will and Kitty learn by the end of the story?

Will and Kitty learn that material wealth and luxury do not guarantee happiness. They find contentment in their simple, peaceful life with their family.

What is the significance of the 'grass keys' mentioned in the story?

The grass keys are a symbolic item carried by the 'oof of the wood,' which allow him to find his way back to his underground home. It highlights his otherworldly nature and connection to the mystical forest.