A wealthy man has two sons: the older, greedy and dishonest, and the younger, kind and generous. Upon their father's death, the older brother refuses to share the inheritance fairly, offering the younger brother a meager sum to leave. The younger brother, confident in the strength of Good over Evil, departs. Years later, they meet on the road and argue about the nature of Good and Evil. The older brother wagers that Evil is stronger, and they consult a disguised Devil, who confirms the older brother's belief. The younger brother, despite losing several wagers, maintains his faith in Good. In a final bet, he offers his eyesight, which the older brother cruelly takes from him. Left blind, the younger brother finds a healing spring and, after bathing, regains his sight. He uses the water to heal a leprous princess, earning her hand in marriage and the promise of inheriting the kingdom. The older brother, consumed by envy, attempts to replicate his brother's actions but meets a tragic end at the hands of the Vilas, who punish him for his greed and deceit. Ultimately, the younger brother inherits his father's wealth, marries the princess, and proves that Good triumphs over Evil.
By Parker Fillmore · First published 1940 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fable, Fantasy