The hunter and the talking deer

In the northern forest steppe of Mongolia, where the land stretched in rolling hills and tall larch trees whispered in the wind, there lived a skilled hunter named Erdene. He came from a long line of hunters whose survival depended on their ability to track game across the rugged terrain. His father had taught him to move silently, observe patiently and take only what was needed. Yet as Erdene grew older and his fame spread, he began to push beyond these teachings, eager to prove his skill to every clan and traveler who crossed his path.

Each morning he rose before dawn and walked into the misty forest that surrounded his ger. He often returned with overflowing bundles of fur, meat and antlers. The elders warned him gently that the spirits of the forest kept watch over all creatures. They reminded him that an unbalanced hunt could bring misfortune to even the strongest family. Erdene listened but brushed aside their warnings. He believed that as long as he was clever, swift and strong, no spirit could touch him.

One autumn morning, the smell of frost lingered in the air as golden leaves floated gently to the ground. Erdene packed his bow, his arrows and a small pouch of dried meat, setting out toward a distant valley where deer were known to graze. The world felt quiet except for the crunch of leaves under his boots. As he climbed a slope overlooking the valley, he noticed a single deer standing by a stream. Its coat shimmered in the morning light, pale and almost silver. The deer was calm, drinking the icy water as if completely unafraid.

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Erdene crouched low and studied the animal. He could see that its antlers were smooth and elegant, unlike any he had seen before. This would be a trophy worthy of a great hunter. He silently drew an arrow from his quiver and nocked it, steadying his breath. He pulled the bowstring back until it trembled with tension.

Just as he prepared to release the arrow, the deer lifted its head. Its eyes, dark and deep, locked onto his. Instead of fleeing, the deer stepped forward. Erdene frowned. This was unusual behavior. He tightened his grip on the string.

Then the deer spoke.

Its voice was calm, soft and resonant like the wind passing through the branches. Erdene froze, stunned.

“Hunter,” the deer said, “why do you seek to take more than your family needs?”

Erdene’s hand shook. Never in his life had he encountered a talking creature. He lowered the bow slowly, though disbelief still clouded his thoughts.

“What spirit are you?” Erdene asked in a hesitant whisper. “How is it that you speak?”

The deer bowed its head slightly. “I am one of the forest guardians. I watch over the creatures who live under the protection of this land. For many seasons I have observed your hunts. You were taught balance and respect, yet your arrows fly too often. Your greed grows like a storm inside you.”

Erdene felt a sting in his chest. He had always believed that his skill granted him the right to take what he wanted. Yet hearing the deer speak these truths made him feel small and humbled.

“I mean no harm,” he said quietly. “I hunt to take pride in my skill.”

“Pride without restraint brings sorrow,” the deer replied. “If you kill without respect, your children will know hunger, and your home will know grief.”

Erdene stiffened. “What do you mean? Is my family in danger?”

The guardian deer stepped closer until Erdene could hear the gentle rhythm of its breath. “Misfortune follows those who break the sacred balance. You have been given a chance to turn away from it.”

Erdene looked down at the arrow he still held, feeling a wave of shame. He imagined his young daughter waiting for him at home, always excited to see what he brought from the forest. He imagined his wife, who relied on him to provide but who often asked him to rest on days when he pushed himself too far.

“What must I do?” Erdene asked.

“Show mercy,” the guardian said. “Walk away from the hunt today. Promise to take only what is needed from now on. And honor the life of every creature whose path crosses yours.”

Erdene nodded firmly. “I promise.”

The deer’s eyes softened. “Then the balance shall be restored.”

The silver-coated guardian stepped back. A breeze passed between them, carrying the faint sound of chimes though no chimes were near. When the wind faded, the deer shimmered and slowly dissolved into a scatter of light, drifting into the forest like falling snow.

Erdene stood motionless for several moments. Only the quiet sound of the stream remained. He felt humbled yet strangely renewed. He placed the arrow back into his quiver, turned away from the valley and began the long walk home.

As he approached his ger later that evening, he noticed smoke rising gently from the chimney and the soft laughter of his daughter echoing through the air. His wife greeted him with relief. “You returned early,” she said with surprise.

“There was wisdom in the forest today,” Erdene replied simply.

From that day on, Erdene became a different kind of hunter. He selected his hunts carefully, offered silent thanks to every creature he took and spent more time teaching younger hunters how to respect the spirits of the forest. His daughter grew up learning the same lessons, carrying them into her own life.

People from nearby clans said that Erdene’s home always seemed protected. Storms bent around their valley, wolves kept their distance from the livestock and even harsh winters seemed gentler upon their land. Many believed that the guardian deer continued to watch over his family, honoring the hunter who had learned mercy before it was too late.

Erdene never saw the talking deer again, yet he carried its message with him forever. And in the quiet evenings, when the wind rustled through the larch trees, he sometimes felt the soft echo of the guardian’s voice reminding him of that day in the valley when the forest itself had spoken.

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Moral lesson

True strength is shown through restraint and respect. When we honor the balance of nature, we protect not only the land but also our loved ones and future generations.

Knowledge check

Why was Erdene considered a skilled hunter?
He brought home more game than anyone else and hunted frequently.
What was unusual about the silver deer?
It could speak and revealed itself as a forest guardian.
What warning did the deer give Erdene?
That taking more than he needed would bring misfortune to his family.
What promise did Erdene make?
To take only what was necessary and show respect to all creatures.
How did Erdene change after meeting the guardian deer?
He hunted with restraint and taught others to honor nature.
What did people believe about Erdene’s family afterward?
That the guardian spirit continued to protect their home.