The Three Gifts

An old woman, poor and traveling, comes to a cottage and begs for shelter and a meal. A widow and her three daughters offer her hospitality without hesitation, sharing their modest supper and giving her the best bed. In the morning, the old woman reveals herself as a wise woman with power to grant gifts. To the eldest daughter, she bestows beauty. To the second, she grants wealth. To the third, she offers the gift of generosity—that everyone she meets will love her and assist her, and that she will live a blessed life. The three daughters depart into the world. The eldest, beautiful, becomes vain and proud. Though many admire her, none truly love her. She finds herself lonely despite her attractiveness. The second, wealthy, becomes miserly and fearful, guarding her riches jealously. Though she has much, she enjoys nothing, constantly anxious about losing her fortune. The third daughter, blessed with generosity, travels humbly and helps all she meets. Everyone is drawn to her kindness and warmth. A kind merchant takes notice of her virtue, marries her, and they live together in contentment and mutual love. Though she has no special beauty or wealth, her generous spirit attracts genuine affection and loyalty. The story illustrates that generosity—the willingness to give freely of oneself and one's possessions—brings greater rewards than either beauty or riches. A generous heart creates abundance around it, while selfishness isolates even the wealthy and beautiful.