The Three Sons of Fortune
Three brothers are tasked with retrieving a golden apple from the bottom of the sea. They each bring something to aid them: a fisherman's net, a harp, and a sword. The first two sons fail in their attempts due to their own flaws. The third son succeeds by using his sword to cut through the seaweed that holds the apple.
By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1819 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure · 1,141 words
First lines
A father once called his three sons before him, and he gave to the first a cock, to the second a scythe, and to the third a cat. "I am already aged," said he, "my death is nigh, and I have wished to take thought for you before my end; money I have not, and what I now give you seems of little worth, but all depends on your making a sensible use of it. Only seek out a country where such things are still unknown, and your fortune is made."
What this Textopian page supports
The Three Sons of Fortune is listed on Textopian as a fable by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, dated 1819 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
- Date: 1819 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore, Children's Literature
- Length: 1,141 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Three Sons of Fortune by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Three Sons of Fortune?
- How does this fable by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fairy Tale first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Flail From Heaven by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Seven Ravens by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
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- The Crystal Ball by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- Knoist And His Three Sons by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
Genres
- Fairy Tale — The story features magical elements, moral lessons, and a narrative style typical of traditional fairy tales.
- Fantasy — The plot involves fantastical elements such as talking animals and improbable events.
- Adventure — The narrative follows the journeys of the three brothers as they seek their fortunes in unknown lands.
- Folklore — The story is rooted in cultural traditions and oral storytelling, characteristic of folklore.
Tags
Fairy Tale · German Folklore · Magic Realism · Coming of Age · Adventure · Fantasy · Mystery · Family Drama · Sibling Rivalry · Good vs Evil · Friendship · Self Discovery