A Drowsy, Enchanted Valley's Haunted Legacy
Near a wide river sits a very quiet little village called Tarry Town. Close by is a peaceful valley called Sleepy Hollow, where a gentle brook babbles and woodpeckers tap on trees. The people who live there love to tell spooky stories, especially about a mysterious rider on a big black horse.
One day, a tall, skinny schoolteacher named Ichabod Crane came to live in Sleepy Hollow. He looked a bit like a funny scarecrow with his long arms and legs. Ichabod loved to eat good food and listen to ghost stories. He also liked to sing, even though his voice sounded rather squeaky. Soon he met a pretty girl named Katrina, whose family had a wonderful farm full of tasty treats. Ichabod wanted to marry her, but a strong young man named Brom liked her too. One autumn night after a big party, Ichabod rode home in the dark and got a terrible fright. The next morning, he was gone from the valley forever. Brom married Katrina, and people still wonder what really happened to the funny schoolteacher.
A Tale's Moral Playfully Debated
A man told a story to a group of people in a big city. He wore old clothes and looked a little tired but friendly. His face showed he had known some hard times, but he still liked to make people smile. When he finished his tale, most people laughed and clapped. Some had even fallen asleep during the story, so they woke up extra happy at the end!
But one tall, serious man did not laugh at all. He crossed his arms and frowned. He asked what the story was supposed to teach. The storyteller smiled and gave a silly, twisty answer that did not really make sense. The serious man looked even more confused. He said he was not sure he believed the story was true. The storyteller just laughed and said he did not believe half of it himself! And that is how this funny, mysterious tale got passed along for others to hear.
