The Six Swans

The Six Brothers

Once upon a time, in a far-off land, there lived six brothers. Kind and loving towards one another, yet poor, they stuck together through thick and thin. Walter, the eldest, took charge, always finding ways to provide for his siblings.

The Wicked Stepmother

Sadly, their father passed away, leaving them under the care of a stepmother. Cruel and selfish, she couldn’t stand her stepchildren. Demanding six fine swans’ feathers for her shawl, she threatened to kick them out if her wish wasn’t granted.

The Impossible Task

Walter, with a heart full of courage, vowed to keep his family together. Finding swans, however, proved no small feat. Known for their elusive nature, these magnificent birds weren’t easily approached. But Walter, undeterred, pressed on.

The Forest

Walter’s journey led him deep into a verdant forest, teeming with life and mystery. Hidden among thickets, he watched the swans from afar, marveling at their elegance. Sunshine filtered through the canopy, turning their feathers into a dazzling display of light. Yet, their graceful appearance belied a fierce protectiveness of their realm, a challenge Walter knew he must navigate with care.

The Trickster

Crafting a plan, Walter decided on a daring approach: he would blend in by becoming one of them. With patience and determination, he mastered the art of transformation, turning his human form into that of a swan. This feat, though taxing, became as natural to him as breathing, opening the door to the world of swans.

The Swan Maidens

Upon integrating himself into their community, Walter encountered not just swans but enchanting swan maidens. With their graceful acceptance, he was ushered into their midst, living among them and learning their secrets. Days turned into nights, and Walter found himself becoming an integral part of their lives, forming bonds that transcended his disguise.

The Sacrifice

But the time came for Walter to return to his family. He knew that if he did not bring back the swans’ feathers, his stepmother would drive them out of their home. So he made a sacrifice. He asked the swan maidens to give him their feathers, but they refused.

Without their feathers, the maidens couldn’t disguise themselves, leaving them vulnerable. Walter understood but couldn’t bear the thought of his brothers facing the cold world without a roof over their heads. Night fell, and under the moon’s soft glow, Walter paced by the water’s edge, wrestling with his dilemma. In his heart, a plan began to form, one that would require a great deal from him.

The Bargain

Walter then offered to give up his humanity and live as a swan forever, if they would give him their feathers. The swan maidens were touched by his selflessness and agreed to his request. With heavy hearts but understanding the depth of Walter’s love for his siblings, they each plucked a single feather and handed it to him.

Before dawn, Walter transformed one last time, feeling his human form slip away. As a swan, he flew back to his stepmother’s house, dropping the precious feathers at her feet. His stepmother was taken aback by the sight but kept her word, allowing his brothers to stay. Walter, now a swan, watched from afar, a bittersweet feeling in his heart.

The Happy Ending

From that day on, Walter and his family lived happily ever after. Walter remained a swan, but he was content, knowing that he had saved his family from poverty and hardship. And the swan maidens, who had been touched by his kindness, would visit him from time to time, reminding him of the love and friendship that existed between humans and swans.

His brothers, upon learning of his sacrifice, were filled with gratitude and love. They would often come to the lake, telling stories and sharing laughter with Walter, ensuring he never felt alone. Seasons changed, and with each visit, the bond between the brothers and the swan maidens grew stronger, a testament to the enduring power of sacrifice and love.