The Three Feathers

Otto Ubbelohde - Die drei Federn

The Three Feathers is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm, tale number 63. It falls under the international classification system for folktales (ATU) type 402, "The Three Feathers", which involves a quest given to three brothers, typically by their father, to determine who will inherit the kingdom. The story is notable for its themes of wisdom, cleverness, and the idea that sometimes the least likely candidate can emerge victorious.

Plot

The tale begins with an aging king who has no clear successor among his three sons. To resolve this, he decides to send them on a quest. He tells them that he will let a feather fly into the air, and each son must follow the direction in which his feather goes. The one who brings back the most extraordinary item will inherit the kingdom.

The eldest and middle sons, confident of their abilities, go east and west, respectively, following their feathers. The youngest son, considered simple and foolish by his brothers, watches his feather float directly down into a nearby cellar. Despite his brothers' mockery, he ventures down.

In the cellar, he finds a frog who asks him his desire. When he explains his quest, the frog presents him with a small, seemingly insignificant gift: an ordinary carpet, a rusty old ring, and later, a rotten apple. Meanwhile, his brothers, not taking the quest seriously, bring back mundane items: a dog and a horse.

Upon returning to the king, the items are revealed to have magical properties. The carpet can transport one instantly to any location, the rusty ring can summon a powerful army, and the rotten apple can heal any sickness. Astonished by the magical items, especially the utility of the apple in healing the king himself, the king declares the youngest son as his successor.

Themes and Analysis

The tale explores themes of underestimation, the value of humility, and the idea that true worth and power often come from unexpected places. The youngest son's success is a testament to his humility, kindness, and willingness to seek help, contrasting with his brothers' arrogance and self-reliance.

Cultural Impact

"The Three Feathers" has influenced various forms of media and literature, serving as inspiration for adaptations in books, films, and plays. Its narrative structure and themes can be seen in many other works of fiction, where the underestimated or least likely character achieves greatness or success.

See Also

• Folklore
• Brothers Grimm
• Fairy tale
• ATU Classification System