The King of England and his Three Sons

Page facing 136 illustration in More English Fairy Tales

The King of England and his Three Sons is a traditional folk tale that has been part of English folklore for centuries. The story revolves around a king of England who, facing the twilight of his reign and life, decides to test his three sons to determine which of them would be the most suitable and wise enough to inherit the throne. This tale falls under the Aarne-Thompson classification system as type 921, which is stories about aging parents testing their children to choose an heir.

Plot Summary

The tale begins with the aging king summoning his three sons, telling them that he wishes to step down but is unsure which of them should take the throne. To decide, he sets them a test: each son must go out into the world and seek a gift; the one who returns with the gift that the king finds most impressive will be named his successor.

The eldest son brings back a fine silk tapestry, the middle son a ring of great value, and the youngest son returns last, presenting a simple apple. The king is puzzled by the youngest son's gift but soon discovers that the apple has magical properties—it can cure any illness. Seeing the wisdom and thoughtfulness in the youngest son's gift, the king declares him the successor to the throne.

Themes and Analysis

The story of The King of England and his Three Sons touches on several universal themes, including the wisdom of elders, the value of seemingly simple things, and the idea that true leadership qualities may not always be obvious. It also explores the concept of tests and trials in determining worthiness, a common motif in folklore and mythology.

The tale emphasizes the importance of inner qualities over outward appearances, suggesting that the true measure of a person's value lies in their actions and choices rather than their possessions or status. This moral lesson is typical of folk tales, which often serve to impart cultural values and wisdom to younger generations.

Variants

As with many folk tales, there are numerous variants of The King of England and his Three Sons across different cultures and regions. While the core elements of the story remain consistent, details such as the nature of the gifts and the specific challenges the sons face can vary widely. These variations reflect the cultural contexts and values of the societies that tell them.

In Popular Culture

The story has been retold in various forms, including books, plays, and films, each adaptation adding its own twist to the tale. It continues to be a popular story for children, often included in collections of fairy tales and folk stories.

See Also

• Folklore of England
• Aarne-Thompson classification systems
• Fairy tale
• Monarchy of England