Long ago, in a remote valley of Norway surrounded by steep cliffs and dense forests, lived a poor but hardworking farmer. His home sat near the base of a massive mountain, a place that locals whispered about with fear and curiosity. People believed that trolls lived deep inside that mountain and that their ruler was the powerful Mountain King. Although the farmer had little wealth and lived a quiet life, he was known throughout the valley for his kindness and his courage, two traits that soon placed him in the center of an extraordinary story.
One quiet Christmas Eve, as snow covered the rooftops and the village slept, the farmer sat alone inside his small wooden house. Suddenly, he heard a firm knock at the door. When he opened it, he was shocked to see a tiny troll standing outside. The creature looked frightened and desperate. The troll quickly explained that the Mountain King’s wife was in labor and dangerously ill. No one in the underground kingdom knew how to help her. They had heard that the farmer had knowledge of herbs, simple remedies, and a good heart. At first, the farmer hesitated, knowing trolls could be unpredictable, but his compassion was stronger than his fear, and he agreed to help.
The troll immediately led him along a hidden path carved into the mountainside. After a long walk through narrow passages, they reached an enormous stone gate. When it opened, the farmer stepped into a breathtaking underground world. Giant crystals lit up vast tunnels. Golden halls stretched into the darkness. Crowds of trolls, gnomes, and stone creatures rushed back and forth with worried faces. They were all waiting for news about their queen. The farmer was brought into her chamber, where the Mountain King’s wife lay in great pain, surrounded by trembling attendants who did not know what to do.
Although he was not a trained doctor, the farmer used every bit of practical knowledge he had learned over the years. He prepared warm cloths, used simple herbs, and calmly guided everyone in the room. Hours passed, but he never lost focus. At last, the queen delivered a healthy troll child. The cries of the newborn echoed through the halls, and the kingdom burst into joyful celebration. The Mountain King himself, enormous and intimidating, bowed his head in gratitude to the poor farmer who had saved his family.
The Mountain King asked the farmer to choose any reward he wanted. There were piles of treasure, chests of jewels, and enough gold to last generations. But the farmer did not care about riches. Instead, he asked for something far more meaningful. He simply requested that his family be protected forever and never troubled by trolls again. The Mountain King was shocked by the man’s humility, because most people would have begged for endless gold. He realized that the farmer’s heart was far richer than any treasure stored beneath the mountain.
Moved deeply, the Mountain King not only granted his request but also gave him an old cloth bag filled with what he called mountain walnuts. He instructed the farmer not to open the bag until he safely reached his home. The farmer accepted the gift respectfully and began his journey back above ground. As he walked through the night, he heard the mysterious contents of the bag shifting and knocking together. Curiosity tempted him, but he remembered the Mountain King’s warning and resisted opening the bag.
When he finally returned home and shut the door behind him, he could no longer wait. He opened the bag and stared in disbelief. The so called mountain walnuts had transformed into glittering gold coins and precious gems. The Mountain King had secretly rewarded him with unimaginable wealth. The farmer realized that by choosing kindness over greed, he had been given far more than he ever expected.
From that day forward, the farmer and his family lived in peace and comfort. No troll ever approached their home again. The villagers soon learned about the extraordinary events and admired the farmer even more. They believed that his courage and generosity helped build a quiet friendship between humans and the mysterious creatures inside the mountain. His story became a reminder that true kindness often brings blessings greater than any treasure.