THE THREE CASKETS | STORIES FOR TEENAGERS

The Three Caskets | Stories for Teenagers

The three caskets. Long ago there lived a king and queen as much as in love with each other as with their kingdom which was wealthy, happy, and beautiful. >> Hail our mighty king and queen. >> Never happier has this kingdom. >> Hail our mighty king and queen. Never happier has this kingdom been. >> The only thing they wished for was a child.

One day, the king had a dream. What does this dream mean? Your highness, the bird in the dream is the child you are going to be blessed with. The two noble beasts that protect him are fame and fortune. The birds who sing around the prince or princess are your subjects singing their praises for your child will be as noble as your highnesses.

>> Really? >> Oh, darling. >> And soon a son was born to the king and queen. He grew up to be as brave and noble and wise as his parents. The time came for him to be married. >> Darling, we are planning to have a grand banquet this year celebrating 300 years of our rule in this kingdom. We shall invite kings and princesses of all the noble kingdoms so that you may get to know them.

>> I would be honored. So, arrangements were made for a grand ball. Princesses from all over the country had been invited with their families. On the night of the ball, everyone danced except one princess. >> Excuse me, my lady. >> Prince Victor, >> it seems as though you do not enjoy dancing. >> Is that a problem? >> Not for me, your highness, but is there anything else that would interest you more? >> I was invited for a ball and I chose to come. I have no reason to complain.

By the way, you're not dancing. either. >> I don't quite care for such formal dancing. >> Then what do you care for? >> A banjo by the fire in the moonlight beneath the stars among the hills. >> That is beautiful. Just the thing I would love. And I would skip the banjo for a jam between the crickets and a nighting gale any day.

>> May I invite you to a night of camping then tomorrow night? >> I would love that. Thank you. So the next night, the prince, princess, and other guests who wanted to accompany them went out camping. Son, you seem to be enjoying the company of the princess of Basadera, isn't it? >> She is.

Shall I ask her father then? >> You may, but I would like to know her much better. Having similar likes and dislikes may be enough for a husband and wife, but a king and queen need more than that together. >> And what is this more? >> Judgment, wisdom, compassion, courage. I will visit their kingdom. I'll talk to her father. Before long, Prince Ferdinand went on his way to Princess Pacadera's kingdom.

>> Welcome. >> I brought a gift for you. I would love to present it in the present of his highness. >> Of course. >> There are three caskets. You must choose one. >> H. So, this is some kind of test. >> A puzzle. >> I choose this one. >> You chose right. But why? Doesn't the beauty of the other two caskets matter? >> I chose the lead casket for three reasons.

One, you said the gift was inside the casket. Hence, what mattered was what was within, not what was outside. Two, and what is inside is precious. Then the container must be solid and virtually indestructible. Lead is much stronger than gold and silver.

>> I am impressed. Well, since you have cast a test on me, allow the same privilege.

>> Did I offend you? >> My father did tell me about us getting married, if you and I think it a fit. And I do agree that when royals get married, it is not just about a husband and wife liking each other. It is about a king and queen who can rule together wisely. So, no, your test did not offend me, but I too have a right to judge.

Of course you do. >> You showed me the beauty of your kingdom. Let me show you the beauty of ours. >> This is beautiful. >> That island in the distance is a part of our kingdom and it is my favorite place in the whole world. >> I love it already. >> Ah, what was that? >> Is everyone all right? Orcas, killer whales.

(05:36) >> Your heights. We must attack. Wait. >> Stop. Turn off the steamer now. Everyone, stay very still and calm. Don't do anything. Phew. Orcas are mostly more curious than hungry. >> And it is usually the sounds of the ship that make them curious. Once you stop that, they usually leave you alone. >> But this year, they seem to have migrated here earlier than usual.

>> So, you know about marine life. >> A king needs to travel many times by ship. So, a traveler must know about other passengers they would meet. But you really took charge. And I realized I took charge and you listened. >> Well, you're the captain of this ship and these waters are in your kingdom, your highness.

As long as the decision is wise, it should not matter who is in charge. >> I agree. >> These are three caskets that I have brought to the island, but all three are empty. Okay, >> before we leave this island, you and I will fill these caskets with what we think they stand for, and we shall open them when we go back.

If what you and I have put in matches or compliments each other, then we know we can build a life together. >> Adventurous and wise, let's do this. >> Your highness, we brought gifts for both of you. So pretty. Thank you, T-bark. But where is Emma? >> Emma is not well. She hurt herself in the mountain today. >>

Oh, I must see her.

>> Your highness, you should not bother. >> Emma has been such a good friend throughout my life. I have to. >> If you don't mind, I would like to accompany you. >> This way. Emma, how are you? Oh, princess, I was so glad that you would come today. And you went to the hill to get my favorite berries, didn't you? Yes.

And I overbalanced, but my foot will be okay. Oh, I am sorry, your highness. >> Please lie down. >> Please. You have a good time by the bonfire on the beach. >> I don't see why we cannot have a bonfire here. Her highness would like to be by your side if you don't mind. >> I shall be honored. >> I had a really good time here.

Thank you. >> Our princess is precious to us. Whenever she comes here, it always makes us happy. Goodbye. >> I'm looking forward to opening the caskets. >> So am I. >> You are our guest. You speak first. >> In the golden casket, I put love and compassion. The kind you showed for your friend Emma.

When you heard of her ailment, suddenly nothing else mattered to you but to be there for her. Nothing in this world shines more brightly than love and compassion. What did you put, your highness? I wrote respect even when you didn't know Emma by offering to have the campfire in her little hut. You respected me, my friendship, and my friend.

If not accompanied by respect, compassion becomes arrogance. Respect and compassion shine better than anything else in the world. >> I think both your thoughts are correct and they complement each other beautifully. Now open the silver casket. >> In the silver one I have put curiosity, the willingness to travel and explore. The day we stop exploring is the day we stop learning.

You came all the way here and you went further into the island, soaking in every experience. In the silver casket, I have put openness and courage to experience life. You were almost unfazed when the orcas came. You had not experienced it before, but you knew what to do. And that attack did not phase your love for the island or the purpose of your trip.

>> Once again, you have complimented each other. And now for the final casket of lead. Here I put joy because joy is dependent neither on gold or silver or wealth. Joy comes with deciding to be happy just as Emma was happy in spite of her injury just as we all were because we were together with friends in nature.

I too have written joy because once you decide to be happy it doesn't matter where you are gold, silver or lead you always create happy moments. This is the same for both of you. So, what do you think? >> I think you can build a beautiful life together. >> Yes, I do. >> Yes, I do. >> So, the prince and princess were married in great splendor and joy.

Together they lived happily, joyously, ruling their kingdom with wisdom, courage, compassion, and love.