How Sun, Moon and Wind Went Out to Dinner

Full Story

One day Sun, Moon, and Wind went out to dine with their uncle and aunts Thunder and Lightning. Their mother (one of the most distant Stars you see far up in the sky) waited alone for her children's return.

Now both Sun and Wind were greedy and selfish. They enjoyed the great feast that had been prepared for them, without a thought of saving any of it to take home to their mother-but the gentle Moon did not forget her. Of every dainty dish that was brought round, she placed a small portion under one of her beautiful long finger-nails, that Star might also have a share in the treat.

On their return, their mother, who had kept watch for them all night long with her little bright eye, said, "Well, children, what have you brought home for me?" Then Sun (who was eldest) said, "I have brought nothing home for you. I went out to enjoy myself with my friends-not to fetch a dinner for my mother!" And Wind said, "Neither have I brought anything home for you, mother. You could hardly expect me to bring a collection of good things for you, when I merely went out for my own pleasure." But Moon said, "Mother, fetch a plate, see what I have brought you." And shaking her hands she showered down such a choice dinner as never was seen before.

Then Star turned to Sun and spoke thus, "Because you went out to amuse yourself with your friends, and feasted and enjoyed yourself, without any thought of your mother at home-you shall be cursed. Henceforth, your rays shall ever be hot and scorching, and shall burn all that they touch. And men shall hate you, and cover their heads when you appear."

(And that is why the Sun is so hot to this day.)

Then she turned to Wind and said, "You also who forgot your mother in the midst of your selfish pleasures-hear your doom. You shall always blow in the hot dry weather, and shall parch and shrivel all living things. And men shall detest and avoid you from this very time."

(And that is why the Wind in the hot weather is still so disagreeable.)

But to Moon she said, "Daughter, because you remembered your mother, and kept for her a share in your own enjoyment, from henceforth you shall be ever cool, and calm, and bright. No noxious glare shall accompany your pure rays, and men shall always call you 'blessed.'"

(And that is why the moon's light is so soft, and cool, and beautiful even to this day.)

Why Kids Love This Story

• It answers a real question - Every child has looked up and wondered: why is the Sun so hot? Why is the Moon so soft? This story hands them a magical, memorable answer - and that feels like receiving a secret about the universe.
• The underdog wins beautifully - Moon does not argue or demand recognition. She simply does the right thing quietly. When her reward comes, it is more glorious than anything her brothers got from their selfish feast. Children find deep satisfaction in this.
• A mother who just waits - The Star's vigil - waiting with her "little bright eye" all through the night - is an image children immediately feel. It connects the story to their own experience of a parent waiting up for them.
• Fairness, instantly delivered - The consequences are clear, swift and perfectly matched to the behaviour. Sun and Wind did exactly what they said they did - and got exactly what they deserved. Young readers love this kind of poetic justice.
• Everyday nature explained - Hot summer wind? Blazing afternoon Sun? The soft glow of moonrise? This story transforms familiar daily experiences into living mythology - children will never look at a clear night sky the same way again.
• A moral that never preaches - There is no lecture, no pointed lesson. The story just shows what happened - and children draw the meaning entirely on their own. That discovery feels like their own insight, and that makes it stick.

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