The King's Painting: A Story of Strength and Courage

The King's Painting: A Story of Strength and Courage

The King's Painting

Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there lived a kind and wise king. This king was different from other kings because he had only one leg and one eye. Even though he looked different, all the people in his kingdom loved him very much. They loved him because he was fair, brave, and kind. The king always tried to help his people, and he worked hard to make his kingdom a happy place.

One sunny morning, the king walked through the palace halls. The walls were full of pictures of his ancestors, the kings and queens who had ruled before him. He looked at each picture carefully.

“I wish I could have a painting of myself,” the king said softly. “But I am not like the other kings. How can anyone make a picture that is beautiful when I have only one eye and one leg?”

The king thought for a long time. He wanted a painting that showed who he really was, not just what he looked like. So, he decided to call all the artists in the kingdom.

“My friends,” the king said to the artists when they arrived, “I want a painting of myself. It must be beautiful, strong, and brave. Can you do this?”

All the artists looked at each other. They whispered and shook their heads.

“But your Majesty,” said one artist, “how can we make a painting of you? You are different. Most people will not think it is beautiful.”

Another artist said, “It will be very difficult. Your Majesty has only one eye and one leg. I am afraid we cannot do it.”

One by one, every artist politely said no. They were afraid they could not make a perfect picture. The king felt a little sad, but he did not give up.

Just then, a young painter stepped forward. He was not old or famous, but he was very confident.

“Your Majesty,” said the young painter, “I will paint your portrait. I will show your strength, your courage, and your wisdom. Do not worry about your eye or your leg. I can make a painting that is more beautiful than you imagine!”

The king smiled. “Very well, young man. You may try. I hope your heart is as strong as your words.”

The young painter bowed deeply and began his work. He worked day and night, thinking carefully about how to show the king’s bravery and kindness. He wanted everyone to see that the king was not defined by his one eye or one leg.

A few days later, the young painter brought the painting to the palace. He carefully unrolled it in front of the king.

The king gasped.

In the painting, he sat proudly on a beautiful horse. His one leg was strong on the horse’s stirrup, and his one eye was focused straight ahead. He held a bow and arrow with great skill. The painting showed him as brave, wise, and strong—a true king.

“Wow!” the king exclaimed. “This is wonderful! You did not focus on my eye or my leg. You showed who I really am!”

The young painter smiled. “Your Majesty, every king has strengths. I wanted to show your strength. That is what makes a person truly beautiful.”

The king was so happy that he clapped his hands. “This painting is amazing! It will hang in the palace for everyone to see. It will remind all my people that being brave and kind is more important than how we look.”

The people of the kingdom came to see the painting. They loved it. Many said, “The king looks strong and wise! He is a true hero!”

The young painter became very famous. But he never forgot what he had learned from the king. He always remembered that everyone has beauty inside them, even if it cannot be seen at first.

The king often looked at the painting and smiled. “This picture shows my heart,” he said. “It shows that we should look at what people can do, not just how they look.”

One day, a little boy asked the king, “Your Majesty, why do you have only one eye and one leg?”

The king laughed gently. “I was hurt many years ago,” he said. “But my body does not make me a bad king. My heart and mind are what help me lead my people.”

The boy thought for a moment and then said, “So even if someone is different, they can be strong and smart too?”

“Exactly!” said the king. “And remember, we should always look for the good in everyone, just like the young painter did for me.”

From that day on, the people of the kingdom remembered the king’s lesson. They learned that it is not someone’s body that makes them great—it is their courage, kindness, and heart.

The young painter continued to paint beautiful pictures of many people, always remembering the king’s lesson. And the king continued to rule wisely, always focusing on the strengths of his people, helping them grow and succeed.

The painting stayed in the palace for many, many years. Children who visited the palace would look at it and ask their parents about the one-eyed, one-legged king who was the bravest and kindest king of all.

And so, the kingdom remained happy and peaceful. People learned to see the best in everyone, and they remembered that true beauty comes from inside, not just from the outside.

And the king? He lived happily, knowing that his people loved him for who he truly was, not just for how he looked.

THE END


Questions and Answers for “The King with One Eye and One Leg”

Understanding the Story

Q: Who was the king in the story?
A: The king was a kind and brave ruler who had one eye and one leg, but he was loved by his people.

Q: Why did the king want a painting of himself?
A: He wanted a painting to show who he really was, not just what he looked like.

Q: Why did most artists say no to painting the king?
A: They thought it would be too hard to make a beautiful painting of a king with one eye and one leg.

Q: Who painted the king’s portrait?
A: A young painter agreed to paint the king because he wanted to show the king’s strength and courage.

Thinking About Feelings

Q: How do you think the king felt when the artists said no?
A: He probably felt sad or worried, but he did not give up.

Q: How do you think the king felt when he saw the painting?
A: He felt happy and proud because the painting showed his bravery and strength.

Q: How do you think the painter felt when he finished the painting?
A: He probably felt proud and excited because he showed the king in a special way.

Moral Lessons

Q: What does the story teach us about differences?
A: It teaches us that being different doesn’t make someone bad. Everyone has strengths and talents.

Q: Why is it important to look at people’s strengths instead of their weaknesses?
A: Because it helps us see what is good and special about them, just like the young painter did for the king.

Q: Can you think of someone you know who is very good at something, even if they are different?
A: (Example answer for kids: “My friend cannot run fast, but he is very good at drawing.”)

Creative Thinking

Q: If you were the painter, how would you paint the king?
A: (Kids’ possible answers: “I would paint him on a horse, looking brave.” or “I would show him helping his people.”)

Q: Can you draw your own picture that shows your best qualities?
A: (Children can answer by drawing something they are proud of.)

Q: What would you do to make your friend feel proud of who they are?
A: (Example: “I would tell them what they are good at and give them a hug.”)

Fun and Reflection

Q: What do you like most about the king?
A: (Example: “He is kind and brave.”)

Q: What would you say to the king if you met him?
A: (Example: “I think you are very strong and smart, and I like how you help people.”)

Q: Can a person be a hero even if they are different? How?
A: Yes! A person can be a hero by being brave, kind, and helping others, just like the king.

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