One Wish, Irish Folktale

A long time ago and far away in a land called Ireland, there was a young man named Thomas. He and his wife didn’t have much, but Thomas managed to support his wife and his parents. 

One day, blight attacked the potato crop resulting in starvation. Thomas felt he didn’t have another choice, but to hunt in the nearest forests, which belonged to his landlord. Even though, there was a punishment for poaching on those lands.

Thomas spent almost all day searching for some animal without any luck. He was about to return home, when he saw a beautiful deer. He was ready to kill the animal, when he heard “Please spare me and I will grant you one wish.” The young man wasn’t sure how deer could help him, but the animal pleaded “If you ask for a wish it could save you and your family. Come back tomorrow with your answer.” Thomas hesitated, but left thinking what he could ask for.

On the way home, Thomas saw his father first. He told his father about the deer and the wish. The old man immediately said “Wish for gold.” Thomas decided to ask his mother for advice, who lost her vision some time ago. She listened and immediately said “Wish for my eyesight to be restored.” Now, he felt he had to discuss it with his wife, who was praying for a child for some time. She listened and immediately said “Wish for a child.”

Thomas was torn. He loved his wife and his parents, but he had only one wish. He tossed all night long thinking what he should wish for. Early next morning, he went to meet the deer. “Well” said the deer “have you decided on your wish.” “Yes, I have” replied the young man. “Well, what is it” asked the deer. “I wish my mother could see my wife rocking our child in a golden cradle.” Thomas’ one wish was granted and the whole family lived happily till the end of their days.