The Courageous Daughters and the Ogre
Long ago, in a certain city, there lived a poor family consisting of a father, a mother, and three daughters. Such was their poverty that they often starved. Realizing their dire circumstances couldn’t persist, the parents called upon their daughters, who were grown enough to be independent.
The Family’s Decision
“All of you are old enough to earn your own bread. As we are no longer able to feed you, go and work, and earn your livelihood.” The daughters chorused in agreement, unable to bear their parents’ suffering any longer. They pledged to earn their own living, all setting out for the neighboring kingdom, a journey which laid through a dense jungle. Despite the intimidating forest, the brave daughters pressed on.
A Fateful Encounter
Soon, they came to a cottage nestled in the heart of the forest. Exhausted, they knocked on the door. A woman answered, immediately alarmed at their presence. She warned them of her husband, an Ogre who would certainly devour humans on sight. Undeterred and desperate, the girls pleaded to stay, promising to leave at dawn. Reluctantly, the woman agreed.
A Close Call with the Ogre
The night took a terrifying turn when the Ogre returned home. He detected human presence, but the wife managed to deny it, persuading him to ignore his instincts. He accepted three guests to stay overnight alongside their daughters. To distinguish between his daughters and the guests, the Ogre placed beaded necklaces on his daughters as they slept. However, quick-thinking Koeli, the youngest of the traveling sisters, noticed and switched the necklaces.
A Tragic Mistake
In the dead of night, the Ogre, mistaking his own daughters for the sisters due to the switched necklaces, consumed them in his sleep. When Koeli revealed what had transpired, the sisters fled the Ogre’s house, making their way to the neighboring kingdom. There they pleaded with the King for protection from the Ogre, fearing his revenge.
Quests for the King
The King asked for the Ogre’s magic sword, promising to provide protection in return. Koeli courageously agreed to obtain the sword, daring another encounter with the Ogre. After a suspenseful chase, she returned the sword to the King, securing the promise of safety and an unexpected marriage proposal for her eldest sister to the King’s eldest son.
The Final Challenges
In her succeeding adventures, Koeli managed to steal the Ogre’s magic bag and ring, both times narrowly escaping the Ogre’s grasp. Each successful return granted a marriage proposal for her remaining sisters from the King’s remaining sons.
Tripped by His Own Trick
Finally, with the Ogre attempting to trap her with her own suggested trick, quick-witted Koeli manages to escape with the magic ring and reach back to the King once again. As promised, the King marries off his three sons to the courageous sisters, ensuring their prosperous and happy life in the palace.
As for the Ogre, he was never heard of again after that fateful day.