A wizard left each of his three sons a gift before he died. The oldest received a mirror, through which he could see anyone in the world. The second, a horse which could ride to any place in the world in one day. The third, a magic apple which would never rot, and when eaten would cure any disease.

One day the brothers heard about a princess in a faraway land who was dying of an unknown disease. Rumour had it the king would let the man who saved his daughter marry her. The brothers sprung into action. The first looked in his mirror and saw the ill princess and the land she lived in. All three jumped on the second brother's horse, and they rode so fast they got to the princess' land the next morning. Then the third son took his apple to the princess, who ate it and recovered full health instantly.

The king was grateful, and indeed intended to let one of them marry the princess. But it had taken the cooperation of all three brothers to save her. Which one did the king decide should marry his daughter?

1. Marry the horse. The poor thing had to carry 3 men. Without the horse, the mirror and the apple are rendered useless. Who knows, he is a handsome prince turned into a horse by the wizard?

2. Marry the youngest. He will be the most faithful husband. The eldest can always look at other girls bathing with his mirror. The second can go to any place to do his hanky panky and get back before his wife wakes up. The youngest, what can he do? The king could repay the youngest son with his 'apple of the eye'. An apple which is lousier, considering it gets old and will rot someday :)

Posted by tan on 2004-02-22 20:21:03