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“The Tale of the Three Brothers” by J. K. Rowling

I’ve read most of the Harry Potter series, all but the last one actually, and seen several of the movies, but I’ve never gotten any further into it. This is a story in The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a “wizarding classic” from that world.

It tells the story of three brothers who through magic make a bridge that allows them to cross over a dangerous river. Death congratulates the brother, but actually feels cheated out of three victims. He offers to give the brothers prizes for their cleverness.

The first asks for a powerful magic wand, the second for the power to bring back the dead, and the third, the youngest, is given a Cloak of Invisibility that will allow him to travel without Death following him. The first two brothers  end up dying quickly. The oldest is killed by another wizard who steals his wand. The second commits suicide when he tries to bring back a woman he loved, but she still remains distant as if behind a veil. It’s the only way he can truly be with her again. So Death still won.

The third brother, the wisest, only allows Death to finally find him when he’s an old man.

And then he greeted Death as an old friend, and went with him gladly, and, equals, they departed this life. (pg. 93)

Everyone meets Death sooner or later.

It does read like a fairy tale. There’s a touch of magic and a touch of the macabre. The youngest is the hero, which is often the case in tales. But really, this is a story and a book only of interest to Harry Potter fans, but what do you expect of a book “translated from the Ancient Runes by Hermione Granger” with “commentary by Albus Dumbledore?”

Tif, from Tif Talks Books, is the hostess of this great feature, Fairy Tale Fridays. Head over there to see her take on “The Tale of the Three Brothers” and to share your own thoughts. Next week we’ll be looking at “The Ear of Corn” by the Brothers Grimm.

I borrowed my copy from the library and the above is my honest opinion. I am an Amazon associate.

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