The Diggels

Once upon a time in a land far, far away was the kingdom Thear. The people of Thear were called Diggels. Diggels grew magic beans which made them healthy and strong. Diggels did not need to eat or drink, all they needed were their magic beans. As long as every Diggel got five magic beans a day they would be happy and healthy. Thear was a beautiful and abundant kingdom and there were plenty of magic beans for everyone. Diggels spent their days caring for their kingdom and growing their magic beans. Most Diggels could eat 10 or 11 magic beans everyday. The Diggels took pride in their manners and in being nice Diggels.

Then, one summer’s night, a terrible fire raged through the southern half of the kingdom. Fields upon fields of beans were swept a blaze. Diggels ran through the field’s desperately trying to extinguish the fires. As they ran their skin was burnt. They fought the fire all night long but it was no use. Most of the crops in the southern half of the kingdom had been destroyed.

The next morning the sad, burnt and hungry Diggels gathered together.
“We must send for help” they decided.
A group of ten men Diggels set of to the northern half of the kingdom to ask for beans.

When they arrived they were surprised to find a fence erected dividing the kingdom, north from south.
“Strange” said the men Diggels to one another. “Perhaps they erected the fence to stop the fire.”

The Diggels called out beyond the fence for help. “Please, we need magic beans. Our wives children are becoming sick.”

A young woman Diggel heard them. She saw their burnt skin and scrunched up her nose.

“Please,” the Diggels begged her “Run and find help. Our need is urgent”

The girl ran of to ask her father.

The ten Diggels waited at the fence. They could see all the amazing things magic beans were being used for in the northern half of the kingdom. They weren’t just used food anymore. Diggels used them to make artworks and adorn their clothes. They crushed them to make their houses smell nice.

The girl found her father. “Daddy, some men have come. They want some magic beans.”
“I’m sorry” said the daddy Diggel. “We have no beans to share. We need at least ten beans each for food and your mother needs three a day for her artwork.”

The daddy Diggel looked down with fondness at his daughter. He did not want to teach her selfishness.

“Perhaps I can give just one.” He handed her one bean.

The girl Diggel ran back to the fence with the one bean.

The ten Diggels were a little confused. They seemed to be so many beans in the northern half of the kingdom. They turned and began the long work home.

Months past and the kingdom continued. The Diggels of the north consumed about twenty magic beans each every day. The Diggels of the south about three. Many Diggles in the south grew sick, skinny and died. Some Diggels in the north would send a handful of magic beans down each week to help. These northern Diggels rejoiced in how kind and generous they were whilst admiring their beautiful magic bean artworks.

THE END