The Golden Goose

The eldest son went into the forest with cake and wine. A little gray-haired man asked for a bite and a sip, but the son refused. While chopping wood, he hurt his arm.

The second son went next. He also refused to share and hurt his leg. Their youngest brother, called Simpleton, then asked for a chance.

Simpleton’s mother gave him a rough cake baked in the ashes and a bottle of sour drink. The little gray-haired man asked to share them. Simpleton welcomed him at once.

As they ate, the plain cake turned sweet and the drink became fine wine. The stranger thanked Simpleton for his kindness and pointed to an old tree.

Simpleton followed the stranger’s directions and cut down the tree. Nestled among its roots sat a living goose whose feathers were pure gold.

He lifted her carefully and carried her to a nearby inn. The innkeeper’s three daughters noticed the shining bird and wished they could have a feather.