The Vanishing Sisters
Once, there was an elderly woman who tremendously loved her three daughters and her young son. The daughters had a habit of strolling near their house, in a meadow that ran down to a stream. But then, each of them started mysteriously disappearing.
The Eldest Sister’s Disappearance
One day, the eldest daughter walked in the meadow and spotted a beautiful flower growing by the edge of the stream. She reached down to pick it up, envisaging it as a sweet surprise for her mother. However, as soon as she touched the flower, she vaporized into thin air.
The Disappearance of the Second Youngest Daughter
The following morning, the woman sent the second eldest daughter to search for her missing sister. As she traversed the meadow, she saw a branch of roses obstructing her path. Overwhelmed by their beauty, she reached out to pick one, and poof! She too vanished instantly.
The Youngest Sister Vanishes
Another morning dawned, and now the youngest girl embarked on the mission to find her two lost sisters. Not long into her search, she picked up a branch of Jasmine that lay across her trail. And just like her sisters, she disappeared.
The Boy’s Resolution
Distraught, the old woman was now left with only her son. One night, he announced his brave decision to his mother. The boy had resolved to venture out into the world and search for his sisters, whom he cherished deeply.
The Three Magical Items
During his journey, the boy encountered three brothers fighting over belongings their deceased father had left them – magical boots, a cap, and a key. The boots had the power to transport the wearer to any place they wished; the cap made its wearer invisible; the key could unlock any door in the world.
A Clever Trick
Seeing their argument, the young boy proposed a contest to settle the dispute. At his signal, the brothers raced away to fetch a stone the boy had thrown. Seizing the opportunity, the boy quickly picked the three items and with a command to the boots, found himself whisked away to a grand castle.
Unraveling the Mystery
In the castle, he recognized one of his long-lost sisters, living a happy life and married to a handsome man – who was under a spell, turning him half into a bird. From the second sister, he learned of a similar spell, turning her husband half into a fish. The youngest sister, however, was trapped by a sea monster, with an existential curse making it impossible for the monster to die, unless a specific condition was met.
The Triumph of Bravery
Armed with courage and his magical items, the boy set out on a quest to eliminate the sea monster. With the help of the King of Fishes and the King of Birds, he managed to kill the sea monster, setting all his sisters free and lifting the spells on his brothers-in-law.
Reunited and Happy
Finally, the three sisters and their mother were reunited in the eldest’s castle. The youngest sister discovered the late monster’s vast fortune, enabling her to live comfortably. And when he came of age, the brave boy married a beautiful girl, leading the whole family to live happily ever after.