Three brothers possess only a pear tree, taking turns guarding it. An Angel, disguised as a beggar, tests their hearts by asking for pears. The oldest and second brothers each give away a pear, claiming ownership of only what they can give. The Angel then leads them to a river, granting each a wish. The oldest wishes for the river to turn into wine, and the second wishes for pigeons to become sheep. The youngest brother, however, wishes for a truly pious wife. The Angel informs him that such a woman is rare, but agrees to help him pursue a princess. They present themselves to the king, who decides the suitor through a grapevine test. The youngest brother's branch blossoms, and he marries the princess. A year later, the Angel returns to see how the brothers fare. The oldest brother, now wealthy, refuses to help a beggar, leading to his downfall. The second brother, also prosperous, similarly neglects the beggar and loses his fortune. In contrast, the youngest brother and his wife, living in poverty, welcome the beggar and share their meager meal. The Angel rewards their kindness by transforming their humble home into a palace filled with riches. The story concludes with the lesson that true wealth comes from generosity and compassion towards others. The youngest brother and his wife remain happy and prosperous, having learned to remember the less fortunate.
By Parker Fillmore · First published 1948 · Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Moral Fiction