Adeshewa: The Evil Stepsister

Adeshewa was the daughter of a wealthy merchant, but her mother’s cruelty had twisted her heart into cold stone. When her father remarried, Adeshewa gained a stepsister named Ife—a gentle, kind girl whose laughter seemed to brighten even the darkest corners of their home. From the moment they met, Adeshewa’s envy boiled. She mocked Ife’s sweetness, tore her clothes, hid her slippers, and whispered lies that made the household resent her. Yet Ife never fought back. She endured the cruelty with patience, whispering quiet prayers for strength and wisdom.One day, the king announced a grand festival, inviting all young women to display their talents, beauty, and grace. Adeshewa’s eyes gleamed with opportunity. “I will be the star of the festival,” she whispered to herself, “and no weak girl will outshine me.” When Ife timidly asked permission to attend, Adeshewa laughed cruelly, tearing her dress and hiding her slippers. “You are too weak to go,” she sneered, delighting in her stepsister’s despair.The day of the festival arrived. Adeshewa paraded into the palace, confident in her beauty and elegance, expecting admiration from all. But as the king examined the guests, a strange magic hung in the air. From nowhere, a white dove guided Ife into the hall. Her dress shimmered like moonlight, her hair fell in perfect waves, and her gentle smile radiated warmth that no gem could match.When the king asked who had crafted such a wondrous dress, he learned it was the product of patience, humility, and pure intention—not wealth, gold, or skill. Adeshewa’s envy flared, but even her schemes could not tarnish Ife’s light. The king crowned Ife the festival’s guest of honor, and she returned home bearing joy and blessings that touched the entire village.Adeshewa fled, furious, but whispers followed her: her heart would remain cold until she learned humility, patience, and the power of kindness. And from that day, the villagers never forgot: cruelty may dazzle briefly, but true goodness endures and always triumphs over envy and malice.

Moral : Kindness, patience, and humility are stronger than wealth or vanity. True beauty comes from the heart, and those who act with cruelty will never find lasting happiness.