The Three Princesses in the Blue Mountain

In a distant land, three princesses dwell in a castle within a blue mountain. They are renowned for their beauty, yet forbidden by an enchantment to wear any adornment or fine clothing. Each must dress in the simplest of garments, though her face and bearing reveal her noble station. Three princes, hearing of the sisters' legendary beauty, journey to the mountain to seek their hands. The first prince is disappointed: expecting jewels and silks, he sees only plain dresses. He departs in disdain. The second prince stays longer, slowly understanding that the princesses' beauty transcends clothing. Yet his shallow mind eventually leads him to leave as well. The third prince, a man of genuine character, recognizes that the plainness of their dress reveals the true nobility of their spirit. He understands that genuine beauty needs no adornment and that modesty in dress reflects modesty of spirit. He wins the hand of the eldest princess. The enchantment, broken by his perception, dissolves. The three sisters are freed to wear finer garments if they wish, yet they choose to maintain their simple dress, understanding that true beauty requires no embellishment. The third prince marries the eldest princess, and they rule with wisdom and justice. Modesty in dress—the refusal to rely upon adornment and finery—becomes a mark of true nobility. The plainest clothing, worn with genuine virtue, surpasses all the silks and jewels that lesser folk parade in empty display.