The Three Brothers

Long ago, there lived a skilled craftsman who had three sons. As the boys grew older, their father realized that he could not teach them all everything they needed to know, for each had shown a different talent and interest. So he made a wise decision that would shape their futures forever.

The Father’s Wise Plan

“My dear sons,” the father announced one day, “you have each shown promise in different areas, and I believe the time has come for you to go out into the world and truly master your chosen crafts. Take three years to learn from the best masters you can find, and then return home. We shall see who has made the best use of their time.”

The three brothers were excited by this opportunity. Each had long dreamed of perfecting their skills, and now they would have the chance to learn from true experts.

The First Brother’s Journey

The eldest brother, Heinrich, had always been fascinated by horses. He loved their grace, their power, and their noble spirits. “I shall become the finest horseman in all the land,” he declared.

Heinrich traveled far and wide until he found the most renowned horse trainer in the kingdom. For three years, he studied everything about horses - how to train them, how to understand their nature, and how to work with them as partners rather than merely controlling them.

He learned to break wild horses with patience and kindness rather than force. He studied how to recognize the finest qualities in young colts and how to bring out their best abilities. By the end of his training, Heinrich could handle any horse, no matter how wild or spirited.

The Second Brother’s Path

The middle brother, Wilhelm, had always been drawn to metal and machinery. He loved the way steel could be shaped and formed, and he dreamed of creating things that would help people in their daily lives.

Wilhelm sought out the finest blacksmith in the country, a master craftsman known for his incredible skill with iron and steel. For three years, Wilhelm learned to work the forge, to shape metal with precision, and to create tools and weapons of exceptional quality.

He studied not only how to make things strong and functional, but also how to make them beautiful. By the end of his apprenticeship, Wilhelm could create anything from the finest sword to the most delicate piece of jewelry.

The Third Brother’s Choice

The youngest brother, Friedrich, had always been fascinated by hair and how it could be cut and styled. While his brothers sometimes teased him that barbering was not as noble as their chosen crafts, Friedrich was passionate about his art.

Friedrich found the most skilled barber in the royal court, a man who was famous for his ability to create the most elegant hairstyles for nobles and royalty. For three years, Friedrich practiced cutting, styling, and arranging hair with incredible precision and artistry.

He learned not only the technical skills of his trade, but also how to work quickly and efficiently, and how to please even the most demanding customers. By the end of his training, Friedrich could style hair so beautifully that people would travel from distant lands just to have him work on their appearance.

The Brothers’ Return

After three years, the three brothers returned home, each confident that he had mastered his chosen craft. Their father greeted them warmly and announced that the next day, they would have a competition to see who had learned the most during their time away.

“But how can we compete?” asked Heinrich. “We have each learned completely different skills.”

Their father smiled mysteriously. “Tomorrow, you will understand. Be ready to demonstrate your abilities when the opportunity arises.”

The Test Arrives

The next morning, a wild hare came bounding across the field in front of their house, running at incredible speed. Their father pointed to the swift creature and said, “Here is your test. Each of you must use your skill to catch or interact with this hare. We shall see whose training has made him most capable.”

The brothers looked at each other in confusion. How could their different skills possibly be used to catch a running hare?

Heinrich’s Demonstration

Heinrich was the first to act. He quickly mounted his horse and rode after the racing hare. Using all his skill in horsemanship, he guided his mount with such precision that he was able to lean down from the saddle and snatch the hare up in his hands without even slowing down.

“Excellent!” called their father. “Your skill with horses is truly masterful. Now, Wilhelm, let us see what you can do.”

Wilhelm’s Innovation

Wilhelm thought quickly about how his metalworking skills might be useful. He pulled out his tools and, working with incredible speed and precision, created a set of tiny metal horseshoes. Then he carefully fitted these miniature shoes onto the hare’s feet - all while the creature continued to run at full speed.

“Remarkable!” exclaimed their father. “Your skill with metal is extraordinary. Friedrich, your turn.”

Friedrich’s Artistry

Friedrich seemed to have the most impossible task of all. How could barbering skills possibly be useful with a running hare? But the youngest brother had learned to work with incredible speed and precision.

As the hare bounded past him, Friedrich quickly lathered the creature’s face with soap, then shaved off its whiskers cleanly and perfectly - all while the hare continued running without being injured or even particularly bothered by the experience.

The Father’s Judgment

The father clapped his hands in amazement. “My sons, you have all exceeded my highest expectations! Heinrich, your horsemanship is masterful. Wilhelm, your metalwork is incredible. And Friedrich, your precision and speed are extraordinary.”

“But who has won?” asked the brothers.

“You have all won,” replied their father. “Each of you has taken your natural talent and developed it through dedication and hard work into true mastery. There is no competition between true craftsmen - there is only the satisfaction of work well done.”

The Lesson of the Crafts

The three brothers realized their father was right. They had each become masters in their own fields, and rather than competing with each other, they could help and support one another.

Heinrich’s skill with horses made him valuable to anyone who needed transportation or farming help. Wilhelm’s metalwork provided tools and equipment that made everyone’s work easier. Friedrich’s barbering brought joy and confidence to all his customers.

The Brothers’ Success

The three brothers decided to work together, each using his skills to support the others. Heinrich provided transportation for Wilhelm’s metalwork and Friedrich’s barbering services. Wilhelm created the finest tools for both his brothers. Friedrich kept both Heinrich and Wilhelm looking their best for their customers.

Their combined talents made them the most successful craftsmen in the region. People came from far and wide to benefit from their services, and the brothers prospered beyond their wildest dreams.

The Legacy of Skill

Years later, when people told the story of the three brothers, they emphasized how each young man had found his own path to excellence. The tale became a reminder that every honest trade, when pursued with passion and dedication, can lead to mastery and success.

The story also taught that different people have different gifts, and that true wisdom lies not in competing with others, but in developing our own talents to their fullest potential.

The Teaching for All Time

The three brothers’ story became a beloved example of how hard work, dedication, and respect for craftsmanship can transform natural ability into true skill. It showed that whether working with horses, metal, or hair, the principles of excellence remain the same: practice, patience, and passion.

And so the tale of the three brothers continued to inspire young people to find their own special talents and to pursue them with the same dedication that had made Heinrich, Wilhelm, and Friedrich masters of their chosen crafts.