The Three Brothers

Once there was a man who had three sons and nothing but the house they all lived in. The sons each wanted the house after their father passed away. However, the father loved all his sons equally and didn't know how to choose which one should get the house. He didn't want to sell it, as it had been passed down from his ancestors. After thinking for a while, he came up with an idea and told his sons, "Go out into the world and each of you learn a trade. When you return, whoever creates the best masterpiece will inherit the house."

The sons agreed, and they each chose a different trade. The eldest decided to become a blacksmith, the second chose to be a barber, and the third became a fencing master. They set a date to return home, and each went off to train.

Each son found a skilled master to teach him. The eldest became so good at his craft that he shod the king’s horses and was confident the house would be his. The second son shaved only important people and was equally sure he'd win. The youngest son, though he endured many tough training sessions, was determined not to give up, thinking, "If I can’t handle pain, I'll never win the house."

When the time came, the three brothers returned home to their father. Unsure of how to showcase their skills, they sat together and discussed what to do. As they talked, a hare suddenly ran across the field. The barber jumped up and said, “Perfect timing!” He quickly prepared his tools and, while the hare was running, managed to lather and shave off its whiskers without hurting it or leaving a scratch. The father was impressed and said, “If your brothers don’t outdo you, the house is yours.”

Soon after, a nobleman passed by in his carriage, riding at full speed. The blacksmith took his chance and said, “Watch this, father.” He ran after the carriage, removed all four shoes from one of the horses while it was still galloping, and replaced them with new ones without stopping the horse. His father, equally impressed, said, “You’re as skilled as your brother. I don’t know who should get the house.”

Finally, the third son said, “Father, let me show you my skill.” As it started to rain, he pulled out his sword and swung it so quickly over his head that no raindrops touched him. The rain poured harder and harder, but he kept twirling his sword faster, staying completely dry. His father, amazed, declared, “This is the true masterpiece. The house is yours.”

The other two brothers accepted the decision since they had all agreed beforehand. Because they loved each other so much, they chose to live together in the house, each practicing their trade. They were so skilled that they earned a lot of money and lived happily together until they grew old. When one of them eventually passed away, the other two were so heartbroken that they soon fell ill and died as well. Because they had been so close and talented, they were buried together in the same grave.