Page 89 - Animals of the Sakhalin Region in myths and legends

One elderly couple had a sparrow. Once it ate neighbor’s starch.

Seeing this, the evil neighbor grabbed it and cut off its tongue. The
poor sparrow flew away. When the owners found out about this, they
were very upset and went through the mountains and plains to find
where it had disappeared. They called and called it, and at last they
found its home. When the sparrow saw that its old masters had come
to visit, it was very happy, brought them to its house and thanked
them for their kindness, laid a rich table for them, called its wife and
children.

It was getting dark, and the old people were getting ready to go
home, then the sparrow brought out two wicker baskets and offered
them a choice. The couple chose the light one, because it would be
easier to carry. When they returned home, they opened the basket
and found gold, silver, jewelry and meters of silk — there was no end
to riches. So their house immediately became rich and prosperous.

The evil neighbor found out about this and boiled with envy. She
immediately went in search of a sparrow. Sparrow met her too, but
offered only a cup of tea. And when the old woman finished get tea,
he also brought her two baskets. Out of greed, she chose the heavy
one and barely made it home. As soon as she opened the basket, a
whole flock of terrible devils jumped out and immediately tore the
old woman to pieces.

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