The story revolves around an old horse named Old Sultan who lives with his owner, a poor woodcutter. Despite being old and worn out, Old Sultan remains loyal to the woodcutter and continues to work for him. One day, the woodcutter's wife suggests that they eat Old Sultan as he is no longer useful. The woodcutter agrees, but only if Old Sultan can prove himself by carrying a heavy load of wood up a steep hill. Old Sultan successfully completes the task, and the woodcutter spares his life. However, the woodcutter's wife becomes angry when she learns that her husband has spared Old Sultan's life and tries to kill him again. The story ends with the woodcutter's wife being punished for her cruelty towards Old Sultan, while the old horse is rewarded for his loyalty and hard work.
By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1819 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fable, Children's Literature