Why the Sea is Salt | 海水为何是咸的

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The poor man thanked Hiysi, wrapped the magic millstone in his tattered cloak, and began the long walk home.

Upon arriving, he found his wife weeping, having feared him dead. After recounting his adventures, he placed the millstone on the table and commanded, 'Grind, my millstone! Give us a feast fit for a king.' Wonderful dishes poured forth. When they were full, he said, 'Enough and have done!' and the millstone stopped.

From then on, the millstone provided them with everything: a fine house, fields, livestock, food, and clothes. Soon, they had more than enough.

The rich brother, hearing of this change, visited to investigate. The poor brother, unsuspecting, demonstrated the millstone's power, producing delicious food. The rich brother, consumed by greed, begged to buy or borrow it. Reminded that he had provided the initial cow's hoof, the poor brother reluctantly agreed to a one-day loan.

Delighted, the rich brother snatched the millstone and rowed far out to sea, planning to sell salt to fishermen. He commanded, 'Grind, my millstone! Give me salt, as much as you can!' The millstone poured out fine, white salt, quickly filling the boat.

Panicking, he cried, 'Stop, my millstone!' but did not know the magic command. He begged and pleaded, but the millstone kept grinding. He tried to throw it overboard but couldn't lift it. The overloaded boat sank, drowning the greedy man.

The magic millstone, however, kept turning at the bottom of the sea, pouring out salt. It is said to grind there to this very day, making the sea salty.

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