Why the Sea is Salt

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

Folktales feel comforting because they organize the world with simple causes. The story has clear steps and a tidy ending that answers a big question—perfect for kids who like “why” explanations before sleep.

Story Synopsis

Long ago, a poor man receives a strange gift: a little mill that can grind anything you ask for—if you know the right words. With it, he can make food and comfort for his home. But the mill’s power becomes tempting. Someone greedy takes the mill and uses it to grind salt, hoping to become rich. The problem is simple and disastrous: the thief doesn’t know how to make it stop. Salt pours out and out, filling rooms, spilling into boats, and finally pouring into the ocean itself. Even then, the mill keeps turning under the waves, grinding salt forever. And that, the tale says, is why the sea tastes salty—because one small mistake kept a simple machine working without rest.

Story Excerpt

Once long ago there were two brothers One was rich with full barns and a warm pantry The other was poor and worked hard yet often had very little When Christmas Eve came the poor brother looked around his cottage and found there was not a bite of bread or meat for the holiday The wind pressed at the walls and the hearth held only a few cold ashes So he pulled on his coat tightened his scarf and walked to his brother’s fine house He knocked and when the door opened he said quietly In God’s name will you give me something for Christmas Day The rich brother frowned It wasn’t the first time he had been asked for help and he did not like being asked now If you will do what I ask you he said at last you shall have a whole ham The poor brother’s face brightened with relief Thank you he said Tell me what you want and I will do it The rich brother tossed him the ham as if it were nothing at all Take it he said and go straight to Dead Man’s Hall Dead Man’s Hall was a name that made people lower their voices But a promise was a promise Well said the poor brother holding the ham close I will do what I have promised And he set off He walked for hours and hours The day grew dim and the snow along the road shone pale in the last light At nightfall far ahead he saw a…

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