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 Who was the king? by Michael Cottle)

Who will marry the princess is an interesting question. Most likely, there will be many applicants and casting will be held among them. In the Middle Ages, during the casting, men's sexual power was checked and questions like how many times should a man release sperm in a week were also asked. It was very unusual and not like current castings.

Posted by malcolm on 2024-02-14 06:44:33