Once upon a time, there was a man who had three sons and only one possession: the family house. Loving them equally, he could not decide who should inherit it. He refused to sell the ancestral home. Finally, he proposed a solution: each son must travel the world, learn a trade, and return to perform a masterpiece. The best performance would win the house.
The sons agreed. The eldest chose to become a blacksmith, the second a barber, and the third a fencing master. They set a date to return and departed.
Each found an excellent master and learned his craft thoroughly. The blacksmith shod the king's horses, confident he would win. The barber shaved the kingdom's nobles, equally sure of victory. The fencing master endured many blows during training, determined not to let fear defeat him.
When they reunited, they sought a chance to demonstrate their skills. A hare came sprinting across the field. "Perfect timing!" exclaimed the barber. He lathered soap and, as the hare raced past at full tilt, shaved its whiskers without cutting a single hair.
"Most impressive," said the father. "The house will be yours unless your brothers surpass this."
Soon, a carriage came hurtling toward them. "Now watch me, Father!" cried the blacksmith. He chased the carriage, ripped off the four shoes from the galloping horse, and fitted four new ones without slowing it down.
"You are a clever fellow, skilled as your brother," said the father. "I truly cannot decide."
Then the third son spoke. "Father, let me show you something." As rain began to fall, he drew his sword and swung it in crisscross motions above his head. Not a drop touched him. The rain intensified into a downpour, but he swung his sword faster, remaining as dry as if sheltered.
Astonished, the father declared, "You have created the greatest masterpiece. The house is yours."
The other brothers were content and praised him. So fond of each other, they all stayed home and practiced their trades. Their great skill brought them wealth. They lived together happily into old age. When one fell ill and died, the other two were so heartbroken they also fell ill and died. United in life and death, they were laid to rest in a single grave.