One day, George decided that he wanted to see the world. His mother packed him a bag full of fine cakes and jugs of wine, and his father gave George a purse full of gold coins. George set out, whistling a happy tune. As he walked down the road, he met a skinny man covered in rags and sores. “Good day to you, kind sir,” the man said.
George wrinkled his nose in disgust. “What do you want, old man?”
The beggar stretched out his hand, palm up. “Spare some coin and refreshment for a helpless old beggar?”
George shoved him away. “Out of my way! I've got hardly enough here for myself, what makes you think I can spare some for you?!” And off he went.
As he walked through the woods, the path got narrower and narrower, until he was so hemmed in by trees that he couldn't move. So he was forced to stay there.
A few weeks later, Michael went looking for his own adventure. His parents gave him good food and money, wishing him well. On his way out of the village, he met the same beggar man, who again asked for a bite of food and a bit of money. Michael treated him the same way that George had, and like his brother, soon found himself lost in the woods.
Hans then approached his parents asking them for permission to go find his brothers. His mother and father laughed. “What could you do, Silly Hans! Your brothers are both so much more intelligent than you.” Hans was persistent, and his mother made him a cake baked in the ashes and a flask of sour wine. His father gave him two coppers, and Hans set out. Like his brothers, he met the beggar.
“Please, spare a bit of bread and some money for a poor beggar.”
Hans untied his pack. “I've only a cake baked in the ashes and some sour wine, but you are welcome to it. As for money, I have two coppers. Take them with my blessing.” He handed over the coppers, then took out his food, surprised to see it had become a fine cake and rich wine. They sat down and feasted, and the beggar spoke.
“Since you shared what little you had with me, I will make you a present. Do you know the old oak at the edge of the forest? Dig under its roots and you will find something.” With that, the beggar vanished.
Hans went to the oak and dug under the roots. Underneath was a sack with a black cloak, a small gold ring, and a hat. Hans frowned at them. “Well, this doesn't look like much.” He put the ring on, examining it. It was a bit smudged, and he rubbed it. “I sure am hungry. Wish I had something to eat.” There was a bright flash, and all of a sudden a table laden with the finest food and wines was before Hans. “Well! This is a fine thing!” He fell to, gobbling and drinking to his hearts' content. “I must have found a wishing ring! I wonder what the other two items are.”
He put on the cloak, and felt the wind rush through his ears. Scared, Hans took it off and saw that he was in a strange country. The cloak had carried him seven hundred miles in seconds. “A cloak of swiftness! What a fine thing to have. And last, the hat.” He slipped it on, and nothing seemed to happen. Hans frowned and walked on, passing over a brook. He peered into the water and saw nothing. His reflection was gone! Hans blinked, then raised his hands to his face. He couldn't see them either. “I must be invisible.” Hans took off the cloak, folding it carefully and placing it in his knapsack. 'The beggar gave me some fine gifts.'
He continued on until he came to the castle, where the King had declared that anyone who could beat him in a riddle contest could have the hand of his daughter. As the princess was the most beautiful in the land, princes and nobles from all over had come to try. All had failed, and their heads lined the castle walls. Hans marched boldly into the throne room, bowing. “I've come to take part in the contest, Majesty.”
The King laughed at this simple looking fellow. This was going to be easy. “I have in my hand two precious metals. What are they?”
“Majesty, they are the gold and silver on your royal ring.”
The King flushed with fury. “That is correct. But I cannot allow you to marry my daughter until you go into the ogre's country and bring back the golden crown my grandfather lost.”
Hans bowed. “I shall set out right away.” He turned and left the throne room, and the king sighed in relief, happy to be rid of him.
Hans was just starting out when he heard a voice behind him. “Wait.” He turned, smiling at the princess. “Sir, you will not make it out of the ogre's country alive. He devours everyone he sees, and that's if you even make it there.” She reached into her dress pocket and handed him a skein of red yarn. “Tie this to a tree and cast it before you. It will show you the quickest way to go. Good fortune favor you!” She hurried back to the palace.
Hans did as she said, and fastened on the cloak of swiftness. Before he knew it, he was in the ogre's country. It was a desolate place. Hans put on the Hat of Invisibility and set off for the ogre's castle. When he reached it, he found the gate locked and barred. Hans rubbed the wishing ring. “I wish to get into the castle.” The door opened, and Hans snuck in. “Now I wish to find the old crown.” The ring flashed, and Hans found himself being pulled down a hall. When he reached the end, he saw a sight that left him speechless. The ogre was sprawled out on the floor, snoring loud enough to shake the foundations. Perched on his head was the golden crown, and strewn about on the floor were piles of human bones. Hans tiptoed around them, careful not to make a single sound, and took hold of the crown. It was stuck fast. Hans tugged harder, and the ogre began to wake up. Frightened, Hans backed away. 'How am I going to get the crown? Oh, I wish I was strong enough!' As he said that, he felt something flow through him. Hans walked over and gripped the crown, yanking with all his might. There was a ripping sound, and the crown came off, taking the ogre's head with it. Hans put both in the pocket of his cloak and set off for the castle.
The king was furious when he saw him, but he had given his word. And so Hans was married to the princess, and the wedding lasted ninety days and nights.
As for Hans' brothers? Well, if they haven't left the woods, then that's where they remain.