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Helgi

Helgi Goes Fishing and Meets Broan

One peaceful afternoon, Helgi, the young Samurai Puffin, went to the calm Lake Kawaguchiko to fish, savoring the serenity of the tranquil waters. He needed some quiet time to think about a recent encounter with a mean cat that had tried to harm innocent sparrows. Helgi loved the rainbow trout that lived in the lake, so he cast his line, hoping to catch a few.


As he reeled in his first trout, Helgi smiled, remembering David Hume's saying, "Just as the rainbow trout requires clean water to thrive, a man's mind requires clean ideas and perceptions to flourish." His adoptive father had taught him the joys of fishing and philosophy.He couldn't wait to share his catch (and his insights) with his adoptive samurai family.


However, Helgi's peaceful fishing was interrupted by the loud caw of Broan the crow. Broan was a big bird with a reputation for using his size to ridicule the other birds in the area. Broan landed next to Helgi and sneered, "Your beak looks strange, like a weird hook! What are you doing at this quiet lake, so far from your home?"


Helgi stayed calm and replied politely, "Hi, I'm Helgi, a puffin from Iceland. My beak may look different to you, but it's normal for puffins and is great for catching fish. I've found a home and a family here in Japan, and I've come to this lake to enjoy the peace and catch some tasty rainbow trout."


The crow, still trying to make fun of Helgi, continued, "If you're so good with that beak, why are you using a fishing pole?"


Helgi replied, "Fishing with a pole helps me connect with nature and find peace in the process." He asked, "What's your name?"


The crow replied, "I'm Broan, which means 'Puffin Beater'". He glared at Helgi.


Helgi regarded Broan warily, knowing he had a reputation for using his size to bully other birds. But instead of responding with aggression, Helgi chose to remain calm and polite. He replied, "I see. Well, I hope you can see that I'm not here to cause any trouble. I'm just enjoying the beauty of the lake and trying to catch some rainbow trout."


Broan scoffed, "You and your kind always say that, but I know better. I've seen puffins like you before, coming into our territory and taking our food." Helgi remained composed and replied, "I understand your concerns, but I assure you that I have no intention of taking anyone's food. I'm just here to fish and enjoy the peace of the lake."


Realizing that Broan was still feeling hostile toward him. Helgi took a deep breath and continued, "Look. That's why I'm here, fishing peacefully and enjoying the beauty of the lake. I'm not here to harm anyone or take anything that doesn't belong to me." If you don't believe my words, judge me by my actions. Helgi said, "In Japan, there's a saying, 'Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace.' It's our actions that bring true meaning to our words."


And another Japanese saying goes, 'Action without vision is a nightmare.' Words alone are not enough; we must follow through with our actions." Helgi's thoughtful comments began to change the conversation. The birds discussed words and actions and their importance, As they spoke, Broan became impressed by Helgi's wisdom, and they continued their conversation, sharing stories and exchanging insights.


As the sun started to set, the two birds talked on, and Broan's attitude slowly changed from ridicule to admiration. He began to see Helgi for the special creature he was. After an hour or so, they said goodbye. Broan said, "Thank you, Helgi, for showing me the importance of acceptance and understanding. Your special qualities make you unique, and I'm grateful for the lessons you've shared today."


Helgi, said, "Thank you as well Broan. We began today as adversaries and now we're friends."


Broan and Helgi parted and Helgi returned home, his heart full of thankfulness for his new friend and a basket full of trout.

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