The Kingdom of the Sky and Earth: A Tale of Friendship
A Children’s Story Adapted from Albanian Folklore for Albanian Fables
Chapter 1: The King and His Land
A long time ago, in the earliest days of the world, there was a mighty king who ruled over a vast and beautiful land. His kingdom stretched as far as the eye could see—over mountains, rivers, fields, and forests. The sun, the wind, the rain, and even the animals understood his voice. He did not rule with force but with kindness, and because of that, his people and his land flourished.
The king had three children: two sons, Trimi (The Brave) and Fisniku (The Noble), and a daughter, Diella (The Sunbeam). They grew up surrounded by love and laughter, never knowing anger or cruelty. Their hearts were pure, and their world was filled with peace and joy.
Their happiness was so great that even the King of the Sky heard about it. He could not believe that there was a king on Earth who might be happier than he was. “How can that be?” he wondered. To find out, he called upon his most trusted messenger.
Chapter 2: A Visit from the Sky
The Sky King’s messenger was unlike any creature seen before—his skin shimmered like morning mist, his hair was white as snow, and his long beard flowed like a river of silver. He was sent to visit the king of the Earth and discover the secret to his happiness.
When the messenger arrived, he expected grand guards and locked gates, but instead, he found an open garden, full of fragrant flowers and singing birds. There were no guards—kindness was the kingdom’s only protection.
The king and his children were laughing and playing, weaving flower crowns, and racing across the green fields. The messenger watched in awe. Never had he seen a kingdom where happiness was so natural, so effortless.
When he finally approached, the king welcomed him warmly. “You have traveled far. Join us and see for yourself what makes our land so joyful.”
Chapter 3: The Secret of Happiness
For days, the messenger explored the kingdom. He saw golden wheat fields swaying in the wind, rivers so clear they sparkled like diamonds, and forests so tall they seemed to touch the sky. Everywhere he went, people were kind and generous, sharing food, stories, and laughter.
At last, the messenger returned to the king and said, “Your kingdom is unlike any I have ever seen. But tell me, what is your secret? What makes your people so happy?”
The king smiled. “Happiness is not built with gold or walls. It grows from love, kindness, and trust.”
Hearing this, the King of the Sky was deeply moved. As a sign of friendship, he decided to leave a special mark on the king’s family—a mighty two-headed eagle on their chests, a symbol of strength, unity, and the bond between the Sky and the Earth.
Chapter 4: The Eagle’s Mark
One bright morning, Trimi, Fisniku, and Diella went down to the river to swim. As they removed their tunics, they gasped in surprise—on each of their chests, a majestic eagle had appeared overnight!
“Look at this!” Trimi exclaimed. “Where did this come from?”
“Mine too!” Fisniku said, wide-eyed.
Diella, the youngest, looked down and saw the golden outline of the eagle shimmering in the sunlight. At first, she was frightened, but then she remembered her father’s wisdom—every gift has a meaning.
They ran to their parents, shouting, “What does this mean? Who gave us this mark?”
The king smiled and showed them his chest, where the same eagle was proudly displayed.
“This is the sign of our friendship with the Sky King,” he explained. “It is a reminder that no matter where we go, no matter how far we travel, we will always recognize each other as family. It is a bond that will never break.”
From that day forward, the red flag with the black eagle became the symbol of a people, a promise that the kingdom would always be strong, free, and united.
Chapter 5: A Celebration of Unity
The king was so grateful for the gift from the Sky King that he declared a great feast. For seven days and seven nights, music and laughter filled the kingdom. People from every corner of the land came to celebrate, and for the first time ever, the Eagle Dance was performed—a dance that would be passed down through generations.
As the feast continued, the king gathered his children and said, “This mark on your chest is more than just a sign. It is a responsibility. We must always protect each other, our home, and our traditions. Never let anyone make you forget who you are.”
And so, the story of the Sky and Earth’s friendship lived on, whispered by the wind, carried by the rivers, and held in the hearts of all who bore the mark of the eagle.
Even today, when the Albanian flag waves in the wind, it tells the story of that friendship between the Sky, the Earth, and the people who carry its spirit forever.
