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?

(In reply to more likely solution by Mindrod)

 

But as a king who also loves his kingdom, wouldn't he pick the one who would be the best ruler when he did eventually become king.

In this case, the one with the mirror would be chosen, as such a mirror would be of great political benefit to a future king.  It would certainly be better than the horse or the already used apple.

Posted by Bob Smith on 2005-11-21 13:13:09