Norse Mythology : Týr and the Wolf Who Could Not Be Trusted
In a land of icy mountains and glowing skies, there lived a giant wolf named Fenrir. He was strong, smart, and growing more powerful every day. The gods of Asgard grew afraid. “If Fenrir grows too mighty, he may destroy us all!”
But Fenrir had been raised among them, like a brother. Only one god, Týr, the brave god of law and honor, would feed him and play with him.
The gods made a plan. “Let’s tie Fenrir up, just to test his strength,” they said.
At first, they used iron chains. Fenrir snapped them easily.
Then the gods asked dwarves to make a magical ribbon, soft as silk but stronger than steel. It was called Gleipnir.
When they brought it to Fenrir, the wolf growled. “This ribbon looks like a trick. I will only let you tie me if one of you puts a hand in my mouth as a sign of trust.”
None of the gods dared... except Týr.
Týr looked at his old friend. “If this is what must be done, I will do it.”
He placed his right hand in Fenrir’s mouth. The gods tied the ribbon. Fenrir struggled—but could not break free. He had been tricked.
In fury, Fenrir bit off Týr’s hand.
Týr winced in pain but stood tall. “I did what was right, even if it hurt.”
From that day, Týr was known not just as a warrior—but as a god of courage and honor who gave up his hand to protect the world.
Hindu Mythology : Ekalavya and the Promise to a Teacher
Long ago, in a deep forest filled with chirping birds and swaying trees, there lived a clever boy named Ekalavya. He wasn’t a prince or a warrior. He was the son of a tribal chief, and he dreamed of becoming the greatest archer in the world.
Ekalavya had heard of a famous teacher named Dronacharya, who taught archery to royal princes. Ekalavya walked for days to reach him.
“I want to learn from you, Master Drona,” Ekalavya said with bright eyes.
But Drona shook his head. “You are not of royal blood. I cannot teach you.”
Ekalavya’s heart sank, but he didn’t give up.
He built a statue of Drona in the forest, and trained day and night, imagining the statue was his teacher.
Soon, his arrows could hit moving targets, and his skill grew greater than even the king’s sons.
One day, Drona and his royal students were walking through the forest when they saw Ekalavya. A single arrow from his bow could stop a barking dog without hurting it!
“Amazing!” the princes cried.
But Drona frowned. He feared that Ekalavya would outshine Arjuna, his favorite student.
“Who taught you?” Drona asked.
“You did,” Ekalavya smiled, pointing to the statue. “You are my guru.”
Drona paused. “Then, as your teacher, I ask for guru dakshina — a gift of thanks. I ask for... your right thumb.”
Ekalavya was shocked. Without his thumb, he could never draw a bow again.
But with trembling hands, he cut off his thumb and gave it to Drona.
Ekalavya’s eyes shone with pride, not pain. “A promise is a promise,” he said.
From that day on, Ekalavya was remembered not for his archery, but for the greatness of his loyalty and sacrifice.
Both Ekalavya and Týr remind us that sometimes, the bravest hearts are not the strongest warriors, but those who stand by their promises, even when it’s hard.
Whether in a forest in India or the halls of Asgard, true courage lives in sacrifice, trust, and doing what's right — even when it hurts.
Moral of the story :
“Sometimes, the people you trust the most are the first to bite — or take your thumb.”
So, if someone wants your loyalty, your talent, or your hand…Make sure they’re not going to chain a wolf or crown someone else.
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