Three princes seek the Water of Life to save their father, but only the youngest stays kind and is truly rewarded

A dying king can only be healed by the magical Water of Life, so his three sons set out to find it. The two eldest are proud and betray their youngest brother, who alone treats others with courage and compassion. In the end, truth is revealed and the just prince gains love, honour and a kingdom.

Once there was a king who was very ill, and no one believed he would survive. His three sons were deeply distressed and went down into the palace garden to weep. There they met an old man who asked why they were so sad. They told him their father was close to death and nothing could cure him, and the old man spoke of the Water of Life that could restore his health.

The eldest son asked to go and search for the Water of Life, thinking he would inherit the kingdom if he saved his father. At first the king refused, for the journey was dangerous, but at last he agreed. The prince rode off until a dwarf suddenly stood in the road and asked where he was going in such haste. The eldest prince called him a "silly shrimp," said it was none of his business, and rode proudly on.

The dwarf grew angry and wished him ill, and soon the prince rode into a narrow ravine. The mountains drew closer and closer until the path was so tight that he could go no further, nor turn his horse, nor dismount. He was shut in as if in a prison and never came home again. After waiting a long time, the second son asked to go in search of the water, hoping to gain the kingdom if his brother did not return.

The second prince took the same road and also met the dwarf, who asked where he was going. The second spoke scornfully and said it was nothing to him, then rode past. The dwarf bewitched him as well, and he too rode into a ravine where he could move neither forwards nor backwards. So it goes with haughty people who look down on others.

As the second son did not return either, the youngest begged his father to let him try to find the Water of Life. The king, very sorrowful, finally agreed. The youngest prince rode out and also met the dwarf, who asked where he was hurrying. The prince stopped, greeted him politely, and explained that he was seeking the Water of Life to save his dying father.

Pleased by his good manners, the dwarf told him where he could find the spring. He explained that the water flowed in the courtyard of an enchanted castle and that the prince could never reach it without his help. He gave him an iron wand and two small loaves of bread and told him to strike the iron door of the castle three times with the wand. Inside, two lions with gaping jaws would lie, and he must throw a loaf to each one to quiet them.

The dwarf also warned him to hurry, for he must draw the Water of Life before the clock struck twelve. If he was late, the door would slam shut and he would be imprisoned inside the castle. The prince thanked him, took the wand and the bread, and set out on his way. Everything was as the dwarf had said: at the third strike the iron door sprang open, and the lions calmed down when they ate the bread.

The prince entered a large, splendid hall filled with light, where enchanted princes sat, and he gently took the rings from their fingers. On a table he found a sword and a loaf of bread, which he also took with him. Then he came to a chamber where a beautiful princess rejoiced at the sight of him. She kissed him and said he had delivered her, that he should have her whole kingdom, and that if he returned in a year they would celebrate their wedding.

The princess told him where the spring of the Water of Life was and reminded him to hurry. The prince went on until he reached a room with a newly made bed, and as he was very tired, he lay down for a moment and fell fast asleep. When he awoke, he heard the clock striking a quarter to twelve. He jumped up in fright, ran to the spring, filled a cup that stood beside it, and hastened toward the iron door.

Just as he passed through the doorway, the clock struck twelve and the heavy iron door slammed so hard that it tore off a small piece of his heel. Even so, the prince rejoiced that he had won the Water of Life and set out on the road home. Again he passed the dwarf, who, seeing the sword and the loaf, told him that with this sword he could defeat whole armies and that this bread would never come to an end. The prince then asked about his two elder brothers.

The dwarf told him that they were imprisoned between two mountains because they had been so proud. The young prince begged so earnestly that at last the dwarf released them, but he warned him to beware, for their hearts were bad. The prince rejoiced to see them again and told them of his adventure, how he had found the Water of Life and freed a princess who would wait a year to marry him and share her great kingdom.

The three brothers travelled on together and came to a land torn by war and famine, where the king was in despair. The youngest gave him the magic bread, with which he fed his whole people, and the sword, with which he defeated his enemies and gained peace. The grateful king returned the sword and the bread, and the princes continued their journey, helping two more troubled kingdoms in the same way.

After this, they boarded a ship to cross the sea, and the two elder brothers began to envy the youngest. They thought that since he had found the Water of Life, their father would give him the kingdom they believed was theirs. Filled with jealousy, they waited until he was fast asleep, poured the Water of Life out of his cup and took it for themselves, and filled the cup instead with salty sea-water.

When they reached home, the youngest brought his cup to his sick father so that he might drink and be cured. But as soon as the king tasted the sea-water he grew even worse and believed his son had wished to poison him. Then the elder brothers came forward with the stolen Water of Life, and the king drank and became strong and healthy again. Afterwards they mocked their younger brother, told him to keep silent or lose his life, and planned to go and claim the princess for themselves.

The king, thinking his youngest son had betrayed him, secretly ordered that he be put to death. The royal huntsman, who had to carry out the command, confessed it sadly to the prince in the forest, and the prince begged him to spare his life and exchange clothes with him. The huntsman agreed and let him go. Later, three waggons of gold and precious stones arrived for the youngest prince from the grateful kings he had helped, and the huntsman revealed the truth. The old king repented and had it proclaimed that his son might return. Meanwhile, the princess had a golden road built up to her castle and commanded that only the knight who rode straight up the middle of it should be admitted. The two elder brothers, not wishing to spoil the gold, rode along the sides and were turned away, but the youngest, thinking only of seeing her again, rode right up the middle without even noticing the road. The princess welcomed him as her deliverer, married him, and made him king. Afterwards he visited his father, told him everything, and was fully forgiven. The two elder brothers fled over the sea and were never seen again.

The Water of Life

The enchanting tale of 'The Water of Life' by the Brothers Grimm captures the adventure of three princes on a quest to save their ailing father. This story teaches young readers the importance of kindness and bravery, making it an ideal choice for children aged 3-8 years.

About Brothers Grimm

The Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, are renowned for their captivating fairy tales that have delighted children for generations. Their classic stories, filled with moral lessons and magical elements, continue to be cherished in children's literature. Their ability to weave enchanting narratives that educate and entertain has made them iconic figures in storytelling.

Values and Lessons

The importance of kindness and empathy
Bravery in the face of challenges
The value of perseverance and determination
Understanding that true rewards come from good deeds
The significance of family and loyalty

Related Activities

🎨Create a drawing of the Water of Life and its magical properties
💬Act out scenes from the story with family members
✨Make a family tree to discuss the importance of family bonds
📝Craft a kindness jar where children can add notes about good deeds
🎯Explore nature to find real 'magic waters' like lakes and rivers

Frequently Asked Questions

❓What is the main theme of 'The Water of Life'?

'The Water of Life' centers on themes of kindness, adventure, and the true rewards of humility. The story follows three princes who embark on a quest to find the Water of Life to save their ailing father. However, only the youngest prince, who remains kind and compassionate throughout their challenges, ultimately receives the ultimate reward. This moral lesson teaches children that character and kindness matter more than power and ambition.

❓Is 'The Water of Life' suitable for my 9-11 year old?

Yes, 'The Water of Life' is specifically crafted for children aged 9-11. The story's engaging adventure and meaningful lessons make it a perfect fit for this age group. The narrative encourages discussions about values such as kindness, courage, and the importance of staying true to oneself, making it both entertaining and educational.

❓Can I personalize this story for my child?

Absolutely! One of the unique features of 'The Water of Life' is the ability to personalize the story to include your child's name and other details. This adds a special touch that makes the reading experience even more enjoyable and meaningful for your child. You can create a personalized version that resonates with them and enhances their connection to the story.

❓What formats is 'The Water of Life' available in?

'The Water of Life' is available in multiple formats, including illustrated eBooks and printable PDFs. This flexibility allows you to choose how you would like to share the story with your child. Whether you prefer reading together on a tablet or having a physical copy to flip through, you can find an option that suits your preference.

❓Can I add my child's name to the characters in 'The Water of Life'?

Yes, you can customize 'The Water of Life' to include your child's name in the story! This feature makes the adventure much more engaging and personal for your child. By seeing their name as one of the characters, it encourages a deeper connection to the moral lessons and whimsical journey throughout the tale. It’s a great way to make storytime even more magical!