The Three Languages: Grimm's Fairy Tales

The Three Languages
"The Three Languages" is the story of a young man whose gift for understanding animals shows the power of embracing one's unique abilities.

The Story of "The Three Languages"

There once lived in Switzerland an old Count, who had an only son; but he was very stupid, and could learn nothing. So his father said to him: ‘Listen to me, my son. I can get nothing into your head, try as hard as I may. You must go away from here, and I will hand you over to a renowned Professor for a whole year.’ At the end of the year he came home again, and his father asked: ‘Now, my son, what have you learnt?’

‘Father, I have learnt the language of dogs.’

‘Mercy on us!’ cried his father, ‘is that all you have learnt? I will send you away again to another Professor in a different town.’ The youth was taken there, and remained with this Professor also for another year. When he came back his father asked him again: ‘My son, what have you learnt?’

He answered: ‘I have learnt bird language.’

Then the father flew into a rage, and said: ‘Oh, you hopeless creature, have you been spending all this precious time and learnt nothing? Aren’t you ashamed to come into my presence? I will send you to a third Professor, but if you learn nothing this time, I won’t be your father any longer.’

The son stopped with the third Professor in the same way for a whole year, and when he came home again and his father asked, ‘My son, what have you learnt?’ he answered—

‘My dear father, this year I have learnt frog language.’

There upon his father flew into a fearful passion, and said: ‘This creature is my son no longer. I turn him out of the house and command you to lead him into the forest and take his life.’They led him forth, but when they were about to kill him, for pity’s sake they could not do it, and let him go. Then they cut out the eyes and tongue of a Fawn, in order that they might take back proofs to the old Count.

The youth wandered about, and at length came to a castle, where he begged a night’s lodging.

‘Very well,’ said the Lord of the castle. ‘If you like to pass the night down there in the old tower, you may; but I warn you that it will be at the risk of your life, for it is full of savage dogs. They bark and howl without ceasing, and at certain hours they must have a man thrown to them, and they devour him at once.’

The whole neighbourhood was distressed by the scourge, but no one could do anything to remedy it. But the youth was not a bit afraid, and said: ‘Just let me go down to these barking dogs, and give me something that I can throw to them; they won’t do me any harm.’

As he would not have anything else, they gave him some food for the savage dogs, and took him down to the tower.

The dogs did not bark at him when he entered, but ran round him wagging their tails in a most friendly manner, ate the food he gave them, and did not so much as touch a hair of his head.

The next morning, to the surprise of every one, he made his appearance again, and said to the Lord of the castle, ‘The Dogs have revealed to me in their own language why they live there and bring mischief to the country. They are enchanted, and obliged to guard a great treasure which is hidden under the tower, and will get no rest till it has been dug up; and how that has to be done I have also learnt from them.’

Every one who heard this was delighted, and the Lord of the castle said he would adopt him as a son if he accomplished the task successfully. He went down to the tower again, and as he knew how to set to work he accomplished his task, and brought out a chest full of gold. The howling of the savage Dogs was from that time forward heard no more. They entirely disappeared, and the country was delivered from the scourge.

After a time, he took it into his head to go to Rome. On the way he passed a swamp, in which a number of Frogs were croaking. He listened, and when he heard what they were saying he became quite pensive and sad.

At last he reached Rome, at a moment when the Pope had just died, and there was great doubt among the Cardinals whom they ought to name as his successor. They agreed at last that the man to whom some divine miracle should be manifested ought to be chosen as Pope. Just as they had come to this decision, the young Count entered the church, and suddenly two snow-white doves flew down and alighted on his shoulders.

The clergy recognised in this the sign from Heaven, and asked him on the spot whether he would be Pope.

He was undecided, and knew not whether he was worthy of the post; but the Doves told him that he might accept, and at last he said ‘Yes.’

Thereupon he was anointed and consecrated, and so was fulfilled what he had heard from the Frogs on the way, which had disturbed him so much—namely, that he should become Pope.

Then he had to chant mass, and did not know one word of it. But the two Doves sat upon his shoulders and whispered it to him.

The Story of "The Three Languages"
- Grimm's Fairy Tales -

The Story of "The Three Languages"
The Story of "The Three Languages"

The Moral Lesson of "The Three Languages" by the Brothers Grimm

"The Three Languages" is one of the Brothers Grimm's lesser-known yet deeply insightful fairy tales. It tells the story of a young man who struggles to meet his father’s academic expectations but discovers an extraordinary gift for understanding animal languages. Disowned and cast out by his father, this seemingly useless talent becomes his greatest strength, enabling him to overcome challenges, uncover hidden treasures, and ultimately fulfill a remarkable destiny as Pope, guided by divine intervention.

At first glance, the tale appears to center on the conflict between a father and son over traditional measures of success. However, it gradually evolves into a profound narrative about embracing individuality, finding acceptance, and navigating life’s unexpected paths to greatness.

Let’s delve into the key lessons of this timeless story and explore how they resonate in real life.

1. Embracing Individuality in "The Three Languages"

The story of "The Three Languages" begins with the old Count's frustration over his son’s inability to conform to traditional expectations. The young man’s talent for learning animal languages is ridiculed as useless, a sentiment echoed by his father’s repeated disappointment. Yet, these very abilities, deemed strange and unworthy, later pave the way for his extraordinary journey. This highlights how unconventional talents, when given space to grow, can become remarkable strengths.

In real life, individuality often manifests in ways that challenge societal norms, and the value of such uniqueness may not be immediately apparent. By embracing these differences instead of stifling them, we create the opportunity for untapped potential to flourish. Just as the son’s gifts eventually earn him respect and recognition, so too can our quirks and talents find their place in the world.

2. Patience and Long-Term Vision

The son’s journey in "The Three Languages" is marked by years of study, during which his skills appear disconnected and unproductive. Learning the languages of dogs, birds, and frogs seems trivial at first, but each language plays a critical role in his ultimate success. This serves as a reminder that growth often takes time, and its fruits may not be visible until much later.

This keeps the focus on the story while smoothly adding the keyword.

In a world that often values immediate results, patience can feel like a lost virtue. Yet, this story illustrates how life’s paths are rarely straightforward, and the knowledge we acquire along the way can connect in surprising and meaningful ways. The son’s persistence and willingness to learn, despite his father’s scorn, eventually bring about outcomes he never could have foreseen.

3. Learning Compassion and Understanding from "The Three Languages"

A pivotal moment in the story comes when the son faces the ferocious dogs guarding the treasure. Instead of approaching them with fear or hostility, he communicates with them, offering food and listening to their plight. His empathy transforms a deadly threat into an ally and ultimately liberates the treasure they were cursed to guard.

This moment in "The Three Languages" underscores the transformative power of compassion. By seeking to understand rather than confront, the son achieves what others could not. In a broader sense, this lesson invites us to approach challenges and adversaries with empathy, recognizing that understanding can open doors that force cannot. The world becomes less adversarial and more harmonious when we prioritize connection over conflict.

4. Faith in the Unseen

The son’s faith in the guidance he receives in "The Three Languages"—be it from frogs in the swamp or doves in the church—shapes his destiny. Though he does not fully understand the significance of these signs at first, he trusts in their wisdom and follows where they lead. This faith brings him to his role as Pope, fulfilling the prophecy he had overheard.

This aspect of the story speaks to the importance of staying open to forces beyond our immediate comprehension. In life, moments of intuition or inspiration can seem mysterious, yet they often guide us toward paths of growth and purpose. By embracing these moments with trust and humility, we allow ourselves to be led to opportunities that logic alone might overlook.

5. Redemption Through Self-Discovery in the Fairy Tale of "The Three Languages"

The young man’s journey is one of redemption, not through external validation but through the discovery of his worth and purpose. Rejected by his father and cast out as worthless, he persists in following his unique path, ultimately proving his value to himself and the world. His resilience transforms him from an outcast into a leader, culminating in his anointment as Pope.

This final transformation illustrates that self-discovery often arises from adversity. When faced with rejection or doubt, the young man does not abandon his gifts; instead, he trusts in their value and follows them to their natural conclusion. His story reminds us that true redemption comes from within, through the embrace of one’s authentic self and the courage to pursue it despite challenges.

Conclusion

"The Three Languages" reminds us that life’s greatest achievements often stem from the qualities and talents we undervalue in ourselves and others. By embracing individuality, exercising patience, practicing compassion, and trusting in the journey, we can find purpose and fulfillment in the most unexpected ways.

This story remains a beacon of encouragement for those seeking to understand their place in the world, emphasizing that every talent has its moment to shine.

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