The Magic Pitcher by S.M. Mitra

Name: The Magic Pitcher
Author: S.M. Mitra

In a distant Indian village, a woodcutter named Subha Datta lives happily with his family, earning a modest living by selling firewood. One day, he ventures deep into the forest, where he encounters four enchanting fairies. Tempted by their offer of a carefree life, he agrees to stay with them, abandoning his family. The fairies possess a magical pitcher that provides endless food, and Subha Datta initially revels in this new life. As time passes, he grows increasingly homesick, missing his wife and children. Despite the fairies' reassurances that they will care for his family, he becomes restless and dreams of his loved ones. Eventually, he decides to return home, and the fairies grant him a parting gift: the magic pitcher. Ignoring their warnings about its fragility, he takes it home, hiding it from his family. At first, the pitcher brings prosperity, and Subha Datta enjoys showing off his newfound wealth. However, his pride leads him to drink excessively, and during a celebration, he inadvertently reveals the pitcher’s existence. In a moment of recklessness, he drops it, shattering it into pieces. The fairies reclaim their magic, leaving Subha Datta heartbroken and alone. The story concludes with Subha Datta learning the importance of honesty and the value of family. He resolves never to keep secrets from his wife again, understanding that true happiness lies not in magic or wealth, but in the love and support of his family.

By S.M. Mitra · First published 1950 · Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Adventure · 14 chapters · 4,816 words

First lines

Long, long ago there lived far away in India a woodcutter called Subha Datta and his family, who were all very happy together. The father went every day to the forest near his home to get supplies of wood, which he sold to his neighbours, earning by that means quite enough to give his wife and children all that they needed. Sometimes he took his three boys with him, and now and then, as a special treat, his two little girls were allowed to trot along beside him. The boys longed to be allowed to chop wood for themselves, and their father told them that as soon as they were old enough he would give each of them a little axe of his own. The girls, he said, must be content with breaking off small twigs from the branches he cut down, for he did not wish them to chop their own fingers off. This will show you what a kind father he was, and you will be very sorry for him when you hear about his troubles.

What this Textopian page supports

The Magic Pitcher is listed on Textopian as a short story by S.M. Mitra, dated 1950 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: S.M. Mitra
Date: 1950 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Adventure, Family, Moral Tale
Length: 4,816 words
Structure: 14 chapters, 41 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for The Magic Pitcher by S.M. Mitra
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Magic Pitcher?
How does this short story by S.M. Mitra fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The story features magical elements such as fairies and a magic pitcher that grants wishes, central to the plot.
Fairy Tale — The narrative structure and themes align with traditional fairy tales, including moral lessons and fantastical beings.
Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey into the forest, encountering challenges and making significant choices.
Family — The story emphasizes family dynamics, love, and the responsibilities of a father towards his family.