Three brothers are born to a childless couple after they pray for children. The first brother is given a golden apple that grants him wealth and power but also makes him arrogant and cruel. He marries a princess, but she turns out to be a wicked stepmother who plots against her husband's family. The second brother receives a silver apple that brings him good fortune and happiness, but he becomes lazy and indulgent. He marries a woman who is kind and gentle, but she dies soon after their wedding due to the first brother's cruelty. The third brother is given a copper apple that makes him poor but honest and hardworking. He marries a woman who is wise and kind, and together they have many children. As the story unfolds, the three brothers' fortunes rise and fall, with the first brother's arrogance and cruelty ultimately leading to his downfall. The second brother's laziness and indulgence also lead to his demise, while the third brother's honesty and hard work bring him success and happiness in the end.
By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1819 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Folklore, Adventure