The Three Feathers

A king had three sons. The eldest was clever, the second was smart, but the third was simple and dull, called Dummling. When the king grew old and wanted to divide his kingdom, he set a test: whoever brought him the most beautiful carpet would inherit the throne.

He blew three feathers into the air to show each son where to go. The first two feathers flew east and west, toward beautiful cities. But Dummling's feather flew straight ahead, toward a dark forest.

The clever brothers found merchants and bought magnificent carpets. But Dummling sat by the forest, sad and alone. Then he saw a great toad who asked what was wrong. Dummling explained his task, and the toad called her little toads, who wove a carpet of flowers and jewels more beautiful than any.

The king was amazed and declared Dummling the winner. But the brothers protested, so the king set a new test: whoever brought the most beautiful ring would win. Again the feathers were blown, and again Dummling's feather led to the toads, who gave him a ring of pure diamond.

Finally, the king set the greatest test: whoever brought home the most beautiful wife would inherit the kingdom. The brothers found beautiful ladies, but Dummling returned with the toad's daughter, who was transformed into the most beautiful woman in the world, dressed in silk and gold.

The king was overcome with joy and gave Dummling the kingdom. When the old king died, Dummling ruled wisely with his queen, and the brothers realized that the simple brother they had mocked had been chosen by destiny.

Moral: The humble and simple-hearted often prove wiser than the clever, and true worth comes from character, not intellect.