A man of his word Fairy Tale

“If I had the authority, I would do this,” is a common daydream we all share. However, there are times when our words may just drift away into the wind. The tale of three brothers in this fairy tale offers insight not only to children but also to adults.

Once upon a time, there were three brothers. All three were extremely poor. What they earned was barely enough for their sustenance. One day, after cutting grass and feeling exhausted, the brothers were resting in the shade when a flock of blackbirds landed nearby. As they watched the birds pecking at seeds, the eldest brother said:

– If only I had such a large herd, I would live my life without ever upsetting anyone, he said, stroking his beard.

Then the middle brother stood up:

– Yes, if I had a barn full of sheep, I would never have to feel ashamed in front of others in my life, he daydreamed.

Since the youngest brother remained silent, his siblings asked, “And what about you?”

– I don’t need such a large herd. Even if I had a small number of livestock that could support my family, that would be enough for me. If I have a roof over my head and a wise partner by my side, I would also live without upsetting anyone, he replied.

While they were daydreaming, they didn’t notice an old man approaching them. The old man, with a beard reaching his knees, appeared out of nowhere, and the three brothers jumped up in surprise. Then the old man said:

– My name is Promise. I have been listening to your conversation. If you keep your promises, I will grant you a gift, he said.

– Please do, old man, the brothers exclaimed in unison.

– You two spoke of “livestock,” didn’t you? Go, under that green hill, there are barns full of sheep. One of you take the black ones, and the other take the white ones, he said, waving his staff that glimmered in the sunlight.

The two brothers rushed off eagerly. Then looking at the youngest brother, the old man said:

– You go to that place where you see smoke rising. There, you will find a house, a wife, and a little livestock as well, and then he disappeared from sight.

From that moment on, the brothers' lives improved, and they lived in prosperity. Days passed in succession, and years went by.

One day, Promise decided to test the two brothers, taking along Goodwill and Happiness. They set off on their journey, and in a fierce blizzard, they first came to the eldest brother's house.

– Hey, my son, we are guests sent by God. We are about to perish in this storm. Let us warm our feet by your fire. Please allow us! they said, their voices trembling.

The wealthy man, unable to manage his livestock, angrily replied:

– In such a chaotic time, even if you’re sent by God, stay away! he shouted. The old men with frozen beards left and went to the middle brother’s house. He too, in anger, refused to let them in.

– Yes, we’ve seen the true nature of these brothers. Let’s go to the youngest brother’s house, said Promise.

The owner of the house, who rushed out barking like a rabid dog, welcomed the guests inside. He treated them with great care and attention. The young man’s wife was also a good person. She pleased the old men, providing plenty of food and making sure they were comfortable.

The next morning, as the guests prepared to leave, Promise said:

– My son, I am grateful for your hospitality. As the saying goes, “Shame is stronger than death,” you have kept your promise, and you are a man of steel. You have not become greedy like your brothers who were blinded by wealth. May you prosper.

Having received the old man’s blessing, the youngest son and his wife lived even happier lives than before. It is said that from that day on, happiness and goodwill returned to the good people and stayed with them forever.