A Tale of the Fisherman and the Enchanted Genie is a classic African folktale about a poor fisherman who discovers a magical genie trapped inside a bottle. What begins as a promise of riches and easy wishes quickly becomes a test of wisdom, courage, and freedom. Through clever thinking and brave choices, the fisherman learns that true happiness does not come from magic or wealth, but from dignity, independence, and the power to choose one’s own path.
CHARACTERS:
FISHERMAN
GENIE
SCRIPT:
NARRATOR: Once upon a time, beside a quiet river far from busy towns, there lived a poor but hardworking Fisherman. Every day, he cast his fishing hook into the water, hoping for a small meal. He had no gold, no magic, and no easy life — but he had something far more powerful: a clever mind and a free spirit. And on this particular day, the river was about to surprise him…
(The Fisherman stands by the river. He looks tired and hungry. He lowers his hook into the water.)
FISHERMAN: Oh, river, please be kind today—just one fish… just enough to quiet my hungry stomach.
(He pulls up the hook.)
FISHERMAN: A shoe?! I cannot eat a shoe!
(He throws it back and tries again.)
FISHERMAN: Please, river… help me.
(He pulls up the hook again.)
FISHERMAN: A sock?! Truly, today is not my day.
(He sighs, throws it back, and casts the hook once more. He pulls up a dusty old bottle.)
FISHERMAN: A bottle? I cannot eat a bottle either.
(As he is about to throw it away, a voice whispers.)
GENIE: (from inside the bottle) Please! Don’t throw me back into the river!
FISHERMAN: (startled) Who said that?
(He lifts the bottle and looks closely.)
FISHERMAN: Something is moving inside!
GENIE: Kind sir, I am a Genie! I have been trapped inside this bottle for a thousand years. Set me free, and I shall become your servant.
FISHERMAN: My servant? I am very poor… having help would be nice.
GENIE: Open the bottle, and all your troubles will disappear!
FISHERMAN: (hesitates, then shrugs) Very well.
(He opens the bottle. Smoke and magic fill the air as the Genie grows large and powerful.)
GENIE: (laughing loudly) I am free at last!
FISHERMAN: You promised to help me.
GENIE: I promised nothing that I must keep! After a thousand years trapped in darkness, I am angry — and you will be the first to go!
FISHERMAN: (calm but curious) Why were you trapped for so long?
GENIE: King Arthur punished me for my evil deeds. I caused trouble wherever I went.
FISHERMAN: (raising an eyebrow) Hmm… I don’t believe you.
GENIE: You dare doubt me?
FISHERMAN: You are far too big to have been inside that tiny bottle. This must be a trick.
GENIE: A trick? I will prove my power!
(The Genie shrinks and slips back inside the bottle.)
GENIE: (from inside) Do you believe me now?
FISHERMAN: (quickly closes the bottle) Yes. And I believe something else, too.
(He smiles wisely.)
GENIE: Wait! Let me out again!
FISHERMAN: No, Genie. I choose my freedom.
(He throws the bottle back into the river.)
GENIE: (desperate) Come back! I will give you riches! Wishes! Anything!
FISHERMAN: (walking away) I would rather be hungry and free than rich and trapped by false promises.
(The Fisherman exits.)
NARRATOR: The Fisherman returned to his simple life, richer in wisdom than gold. Though he still faced hunger and hardship, he kept something priceless — his freedom, his dignity, and the power to choose his own path. Sometimes, the greatest magic of all is knowing when to say no.
The End
Author: African Folktale
Adapted by: K I D S I N C O
Moral of the Story: True freedom and dignity are more valuable than power, wealth, or magical promises. When we rely on our own choices and integrity, we gain something no wish can replace.
Moral Values:
- Freedom over greed
- Wisdom and clever thinking
- Self-reliance
- Honesty and integrity
- Courage to choose the right path
- Inner strength over shortcuts
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👉 External Resources:
- Folktales and Moral Stories for Children
- West African Folk-Tales – Project Gutenberg
- South African Folk-Tales – Project Gutenberg
- What Is a Genie? (Djinn in Folklore)
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