In the green heart of Bohemia, long before cities rose and borders hardened, there lived a king with three sons. One was bold, one was cunning, and the last, Mirek, was quiet and slow of speech. When the king grew old and weary, he declared: “Whosoever brings me the greatest gift in the land shall inherit my throne.” So begins the tale of The Three Silver Feathers, a folktale of test and triumph.
The First Feather Flies North
To make the trial fair, the king let three silver feathers fall from his hand. “Follow your feather,” he said. “It will lead to your fate.”
The bold eldest son’s feather drifted North toward the mountains. The second son’s feather floated West toward the markets and cities. Mirek’s feather fluttered down and landed in a thorn bush not twenty paces from the palace. His brothers jeered.
“Stay and pick berries, feather-brain!” laughed the second.
But Mirek, though mocked, bent to retrieve the feather. When he touched it, the thorn bush rustled, and a fox with silver eyes leapt out.
“Not all paths are far,” said the fox. “Follow me.”
Mirek did.
The Second Feather Leads Beneath
The fox led him through roots and stones to a place beneath the earth, a hidden glade lit by glowing mushrooms and whispering leaves. There stood three fountains: one ran with honey, another with gold dust, and the third with tears.
“Choose wisely,” said the fox, “but know: the sweetest is not always the dearest.”
Mirek tasted the honey, it filled his mouth with lies and forgetfulness. He dipped his hand in the gold, it burned. But the tears, though bitter, made him see clearer. In the pool’s reflection, he saw a small feather floating in his palm.
“A gift not of wealth, but of heart,” murmured the fox.
The feather shimmered silver and split into three.
The Third Feather Rises East
While Mirek wandered the glade, his brothers returned. The eldest had brought a jeweled crown from the mountain dwarves. The second returned with a mirror that claimed to show a person’s worth. When Mirek stepped forward with only three feathers, the court laughed.
But the king looked closer.
Mirek gave him the first feather, it sang with the voice of the people. The second feather gave off warmth, a memory of joy. The third, when held, brought tears to the king’s eyes. He remembered his youth, his wife, and all he had forgotten in his years of rule.
“These feathers carry truth,” he said. “And truth is the finest gift of all.”
The king placed his crown on Mirek’s head.
Moral of the Tale
True worth lies not in what dazzles the eye, but in what touches the soul. In The Three Silver Feathers, Mirek’s gift, born not of ambition, but sincerity, proves greater than treasure or flattery. The tale reminds us that wisdom often wears humble feathers, and the quiet heart may carry the loudest truth.
Knowledge Check
1. What is the moral of the folktale “The Three Silver Feathers”?
The story teaches a lesson about humility and sincerity, showing how quiet wisdom can lead to lasting honor and truth.
2. What cultural group does the tale “The Three Silver Feathers” come from?
This folktale originates from the Czech tradition in Europe.
3. Why did Mirek follow the feather into the thorn bush?
In the tale, Mirek followed the feather out of obedience and faith, which sets the magical journey in motion.
4. How does the folktale “The Three Silver Feathers” explain the value of truth?
The story offers a traditional lesson that truth, though subtle or painful, is the most powerful and treasured gift of all.
5. Is “The Three Silver Feathers” considered a trickster tale, ghost story, or moral fable?
“The Three Silver Feathers” is a moral fable that reflects Czech values of humility, inner strength, and reverence for nature.
6. How is this folktale relevant to modern readers?
The message of “The Three Silver Feathers” remains relevant as it teaches timeless truths about sincerity, emotional insight, and resisting shallow ambition.
Origin: This story comes from the Czech tradition of Europe.
