Lesson 58: The Story of Two Brothers

The Two Brothers

Khmer Folktale Reading Practice (B1)
Greedy
លោភលន់ /ˈɡriː.di/
Generous
ចិត្តទូលាយ /ˈdʒen.ər.əs/
Injured
របួស /ˈɪn.dʒɚd/
Jealous
ច្រណែន /ˈdʒel.əs/
Stranded
ជាប់គាំង / ឯកោ /ˈstræn.dɪd/
Imitate
ធ្វើត្រាប់តាម /ˈɪm.ə.teɪt/
Chapter 1: The Contrast

Long ago, in a province near the mountain, lived two brothers. The older brother was very rich but extremely greedy. He kept all his money and never shared food with anyone.

The younger brother, however, was poor but generous. He worked hard in the rice fields every day. One afternoon, while walking home, he found a large magical bird lying on the ground. Its wing was broken. "Poor creature," he whispered. He took the bird home, bandaged its wing, and fed it until it was strong again.

Chapter 2: The Reward

To thank him, the bird spoke: "Climb on my back. I will take you to a mountain of gold. But remember, take only what you need."

They flew high above the clouds to a glittering mountain. The younger brother filled a small bag with gold—just enough to buy a farm and live comfortably. He thanked the bird and returned home.

When the older brother saw the gold, he became jealous. "How did you get this?" he demanded. The younger brother told him the truth. The greedy brother decided to imitate him. He went to the forest, waited for the bird, and pretended to be kind.

Chapter 3: The Consequence

The bird agreed to take him to the mountain. Upon arriving, the older brother went crazy with greed. He filled five huge heavy bags!

"Hurry!" cried the bird. " The sun is setting, and I cannot carry so much weight." But the brother ignored the warning. "Just one more piece!" he shouted.

When they finally took off, the bird struggled. The weight was too much. The bird tilted its wings, and the greedy brother fell back onto the mountain. The bird flew away, leaving him stranded there forever with his gold, but no way to get home.

[Image of narrative arc diagram]
Intro
Rich vs Poor
Action
Saving Bird
Climax
Too Heavy
Ending
Stranded

Comprehension Check

1. Why did the bird help the younger brother?
2. How did the older brother try to get gold?
3. Why was the older brother left on the mountain?

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