The Three Apprentices
by Brothers Grimm · from Household Tales
Adapted Version
Tom, Ben, and Sam are three friends. They are very hungry. They have no food. They have no money. They walk and walk and walk.
Then they see a man. He has a big hat. He has a long coat. He smiles at them. "Hello, friends!" he says. "I can help you. But you must play a game."
"What game?" asks Tom.
The man laughs. "A word game! You say three things. Only three things! Tom, you say this. 'All three of us!' Ben, you say this. 'For a gold coin!' Sam, you say this. 'And quite right too!' Say only this. Your pockets will be full!"
The three friends walk to a bakery. It smells good inside. The baker looks at them.
"Who wants bread?" asks the baker.
"All three of us!" says Tom.
"And who will pay?" asks the baker.
"For a gold coin!" says Ben.
"Hmm. Is that so?" says the baker.
"And quite right too!" says Sam.
The baker shakes his head. "These boys are silly," he says. But they pay him. They eat warm bread.
Then a bag of coins is lost. The baker finds the bag. He looks left. He looks right. He hides the coins. "No one will know," he says.
But then he sees the friends. "You took the coins!" he says. He calls the mayor.
"Who took my coins?" asks the mayor.
"All three of us!" says Tom.
"Why?" asks the mayor.
"For a gold coin!" says Ben.
"You should be sorry!" says the mayor.
"And quite right too!" says Sam.
The mayor is very cross. "You did it!" he says. "Sit in this room." The friends are sad. They sit and wait. They remember the man. They remember his big hat.
Just then, clip-clop, clip-clop! A big coach stops. Everyone looks.
The door opens. It is the man! He has his big hat. He has his long coat. "Stop!" he says. "These friends are good. They did not take the coins. Now you can talk!"
Tom stands up. "The baker has the coins! Look in his kitchen!" They all go. They look. The coins are there! The baker's face turns red.
"I am sorry," says the baker. He gives the coins back. The man smiles. He tips his hat. Then he walks away.
Tom, Ben, and Sam sit together. They eat bread and cheese. They laugh about the word game. Their pockets are full of coins. They are not hungry now. And the three friends are never hungry again.
Original Story
The three apprentices
A fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm
There were once three apprentices, who had agreed to keep always together while travelling, and always to work in the same town. At one time, however, their masters had no more work to give them, so that at last they were in rags, and had nothing to live on. Then one of them said, "What shall we do? We cannot stay here any longer, we will travel once more, and if we do not find any work in the town we go to, we will arrange with the innkeeper there, that we are to write and tell him where we are staying, so that we can always have news of each other, and then we will separate." And that seemed best to the others also. They went forth, and met on the way a richly-dressed man who asked who they were. "We are apprentices looking for work; Up to this time we have kept together, but if we cannot find anything to do we are going to separate." - "There is no need for that," said the man, "if you will do what I tell you, you shall not want for gold or for work; nay, you shall become great lords, and drive in your carriages!" One of them said, "If our souls and salvation be not endangered, we will certainly do it." - "They will not," replied the man, "I have no claim on you." One of the others had, however, looked at his feet, and when he saw a horse's foot and a man's foot, he did not want to have anything to do with him. The Devil, however, said, "Be easy, I have no designs on you, but on another soul, which is half my own already, and whose measure shall but run full." As they were now secure, they consented, and the Devil told them what he wanted. The first was to answer, "All three of us," to every question; the second was to say, "For money," and the third, "And quite right too!" They were always to say this, one after the other, but they were not to say one word more, and if they disobeyed this order, all their money would disappear at once, but so long as they observed it, their pockets would always be full. As a beginning, he at once gave them as much as they could carry, and told them to go to such and such an inn when they got to the town. They went to it, and the innkeeper came to meet them, and asked if they wished for anything to eat? The first replied, "All three of us." - "Yes," said the host, "that is what I mean." The second said, "For money." - "Of course," said the host. The third said, "And quite right too!" - "Certainly it is right," said the host.
Good meat and drink were now brought to them, and they were well waited on. After the dinner came the payment, and the innkeeper gave the bill to the one who said, "All three of us," the second said, "For money," and the third, "and quite right too!" - "Indeed it is right," said the host, "all three pay, and without money I can give nothing." They, however, paid still more than he had asked. The lodgers, who were looking on, said, "These people must be mad." - "Yes, indeed they are," said the host, "they are not very wise." So they stayed some time in the inn, and said nothing else but, "All three of us," - "For money," and "And quite right too!" But they saw and knew all that was going on. It so happened that a great merchant came with a large sum of money, and said, "Sir host, take care of my money for me, here are three crazy apprentices who might steal it from me." The host did as he was asked. As he was carrying the trunk into his room, he felt that it was heavy with gold. Thereupon he gave the three apprentices a lodging below, but the merchant came up-stairs into a separate apartment. When it was midnight, and the host thought that all were asleep, he came with his wife, and they had an axe and struck the rich merchant dead; and after they had murdered him they went to bed again. When it was day there was a great outcry; the merchant lay dead in bed bathed in blood. All the guests ran at once but the host said, "The three crazy apprentices have done this;" the lodgers confirmed it, and said, "It can have been no one else." The innkeeper, however, had them called, and said to them, "Have you killed the merchant?" - "All three of us," said the first, "For money," said the second; and the third added, "And quite right too!" - "There now, you hear," said the host, "they confess it themselves." They were taken to prison, therefore, and were to be tried. When they saw that things were going so seriously, they were after all afraid, but at night the Devil came and said, "Bear it just one day longer, and do not play away your luck, not one hair of your head shall be hurt."
The next morning they were led to the bar, and the judge said, "Are you the murderers?" - "All three of us." - "Why did you kill the merchant?" - "For money." - "You wicked wretches, you have no horror of your sins?" - "And quite right too!" - "They have confessed, and are still stubborn," said the judge, "lead them to death instantly." So they were taken out, and the host had to go with them into the circle. When they were taken hold of by the executioner's men, and were just going to be led up to the scaffold where the headsman was standing with naked sword, a coach drawn by four blood-red chestnut horses came up suddenly, driving so fast that fire flashed from the stones, and someone made signs from the window with a white handkerchief. Then said the headsman, "It is a pardon coming," and "Pardon! pardon!" was called from the carriage also. Then the Devil stepped out as a very noble gentleman, beautifully dressed, and said, "You three are innocent; you may now speak, make known what you have seen and heard." Then said the eldest, "We did not kill the merchant, the murderer is standing there in the circle," and he pointed to the innkeeper. "In proof of this, go into his cellar, where many others whom he has killed are still hanging." Then the judge sent the executioner's men thither, and they found it was as the apprentices said, and when they had informed the judge of this, he caused the innkeeper to be led up, and his head was cut off. Then said the Devil to the three, "Now I have got the soul which I wanted to have, and you are free, and have money for the rest of your lives."
- * * * *
Story DNA
Moral
Evil deeds will eventually be exposed and punished, often through unexpected means.
Plot Summary
Three impoverished apprentices make a pact with the Devil, agreeing to repeat specific phrases in exchange for endless wealth. They are mistaken for madmen at an inn, where the greedy innkeeper murders a rich merchant and frames them. Their repetitive answers are taken as confessions, leading to their condemnation. At the moment of their execution, the Devil intervenes, revealing the innkeeper's true crimes, leading to his execution and the apprentices' freedom and lasting prosperity.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The Grimm brothers collected and published German folk tales, often reflecting common societal fears, beliefs, and moral lessons of the time, including the presence of supernatural figures like the Devil and the harsh realities of justice.
Plot Beats (13)
- Three apprentices, out of work and in rags, decide to travel together until they find work, or separate if they don't.
- They meet a richly-dressed man (the Devil) who offers them wealth and status if they follow his instructions.
- The Devil instructs them to always say 'All three of us,' 'For money,' and 'And quite right too!' in sequence, promising full pockets if they obey and loss of money if they disobey.
- The apprentices arrive at an inn, use their phrases, and are perceived as mad by the innkeeper and other lodgers, despite paying well.
- A rich merchant arrives at the inn with a large sum of money, which the innkeeper hides, fearing the 'crazy' apprentices.
- The innkeeper and his wife murder the merchant in the night.
- The next morning, the innkeeper frames the apprentices for the murder, using their strange phrases as 'confessions'.
- The apprentices are arrested, imprisoned, and brought to trial, where their repeated phrases are taken as admissions of guilt.
- The Devil visits them in prison, assuring them of their safety for one more day.
- At their execution, as the headsman prepares to strike, a grand coach arrives, signaling a pardon.
- The Devil, disguised as a noble gentleman, steps out and declares the apprentices innocent, allowing them to speak freely.
- The eldest apprentice reveals the innkeeper as the true murderer and directs the authorities to the innkeeper's cellar, where other victims are found.
- The innkeeper is executed, and the Devil reveals his true identity, stating he has claimed the innkeeper's soul, and the apprentices are free and wealthy for life.
Characters
The First Apprentice ★ protagonist
Initially in rags, later well-dressed due to the Devil's gifts.
Attire: Started in rags, later wore fine clothes provided by the Devil, suitable for a 'great lord'.
Practical, initially cautious about the Devil's offer, follows instructions diligently.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young teenage boy with a determined expression, wearing a slightly oversized brown tunic over a cream-colored shirt, a leather tool belt around his waist, and sturdy boots. He has messy auburn hair and stands in a confident, ready posture, holding a wooden staff or tool in one hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Second Apprentice ★ protagonist
Initially in rags, later well-dressed due to the Devil's gifts.
Attire: Started in rags, later wore fine clothes provided by the Devil, suitable for a 'great lord'.
Observant (noticed the Devil's feet), follows instructions diligently.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult with determined eyes and a focused expression, standing firmly with one hand resting on a utility belt. They wear a durable, earth-toned tunic over dark trousers, with a leather vest and sturdy boots. Their hair is neatly tied back, and their posture is alert and ready for action. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Third Apprentice ★ protagonist
Initially in rags, later well-dressed due to the Devil's gifts.
Attire: Started in rags, later wore fine clothes provided by the Devil, suitable for a 'great lord'.
Follows instructions diligently, seems to accept the strange situation.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young teenage boy with a determined yet slightly unsure expression, wearing a simple, slightly oversized brown tunic over rough-spun trousers and worn leather boots. His dark, messy hair is tucked behind his ears, and his hands are smudged with dirt and clay. He stands in a cluttered, magical workshop filled with glowing jars and strange tools, holding a half-finished wooden carving in one hand and a small chisel in the other. He is leaning forward slightly, studying his work with focused, bright eyes. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Devil ⚔ antagonist
Initially appears as a 'richly-dressed man' with one horse's foot and one man's foot. Later, as a 'very noble gentleman, beautifully dressed'.
Attire: Richly dressed, then beautifully dressed as a noble gentleman, implying luxurious, fashionable attire of the period.
Cunning, manipulative, focused on acquiring souls, keeps his word (in a twisted way).
Image Prompt & Upload
A tall, slender figure with sharp, aristocratic features and a cruel, knowing smile. He has slicked-back dark hair, pointed ears, and small, elegant horns curving from his temples. His skin is a pale, ashen grey. He wears a tailored black suit with a deep crimson waistcoat and a silk cravat, his fingers long and claw-like. He stands with a relaxed, confident posture, one hand casually in his pocket, the other holding a gleaming silver cane topped with a red gemstone. His eyes glow with a faint, malevolent amber light. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Innkeeper ⚔ antagonist
Unknown, but likely appears as a typical innkeeper of the era.
Attire: Likely practical, sturdy clothing suitable for running an inn.
Greedy, murderous, deceptive, quick to accuse others.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged man with a round, greasy face and a sly, calculating expression. He has thinning dark hair slicked back, small beady eyes, and a crooked smile that never reaches his eyes. He wears a stained leather apron over a dirty white shirt, with rolled-up sleeves revealing hairy forearms. His posture is hunched slightly forward, with hands clasped in front of him as if hiding something. He has a menacing aura, with shadows emphasizing his untrustworthy features. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Merchant ○ minor
Unknown, but implied to be a man of means.
Attire: Clothing appropriate for a wealthy merchant, likely practical but of good quality.
Cautious with his money, trusting of the innkeeper to a fault.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged man with a weathered face and short, salt-and-pepper hair stands in a relaxed posture, leaning slightly against a wooden market stall. He wears a simple, undyed linen tunic with rolled-up sleeves, brown leather breeches, and worn leather boots. A leather satchel is slung over his shoulder, and his expression is one of calm appraisal. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Open Road/Travel Path
A path or road where the apprentices are traveling, likely dusty and unkempt, reflecting their poverty.
Mood: Hopeful yet uncertain, as they seek work and encounter the Devil.
The apprentices meet the Devil and make their pact.
Image Prompt & Upload
A late afternoon sun casts long shadows across a dusty, rutted dirt road stretching toward a hazy horizon. The path is unkempt, with dry cracked earth and sparse, withered weeds pushing through. A weathered wooden fence leans precariously along one side, its posts grey and splintered. The surrounding landscape is a vast, open field of pale ochre grass, bending in a faint breeze under a wide, faded sky. Distant hills are layered in muted purple and grey. The light is warm but weary, highlighting the powdery dust hanging in the air. Colors are desaturated: dusty browns, sun-bleached greens, and hazy blues. The atmosphere is quiet, solitary, and vast, emphasizing a long, arduous journey ahead. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Inn
A bustling inn with a common room for guests and private rooms upstairs and downstairs. It has a cellar.
Mood: Initially welcoming, then suspicious, and finally sinister and dangerous.
The apprentices stay, the merchant is murdered, and the apprentices are framed.
Image Prompt & Upload
A cozy common room in a bustling fantasy inn at evening, warm firelight from a large stone hearth casting dancing shadows on rough-hewn wooden beams and walls. Steaming mugs on worn oak tables, barrels stacked in a corner, a staircase leading to private rooms. Lanterns hang from iron hooks, their glow mixing with the fire. A sense of lively warmth and hearthside comfort, inviting and magical. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
The Court/Execution Ground
An open area where a trial and public execution are to take place, featuring a judge, executioner, and a scaffold.
Mood: Grim, tense, and foreboding, leading to a dramatic climax.
The apprentices are about to be executed, but the Devil intervenes, revealing the true murderer and freeing them.
Image Prompt & Upload
At dusk under a heavy overcast sky, a vast cobblestone courtyard is dominated by a stark wooden scaffold in its center. The gallows feature thick timber beams and a worn stone platform, surrounded by iron fence posts. To one side stands a severe stone lectern for judgments. Scattered dead leaves skitter across the uneven stones. The atmosphere is cold and oppressive, lit by the fading grey light and the weak flicker of wall-mounted torches casting long, dancing shadows. Colors are muted: ashen greys, deep browns, and the black iron of the fence. No border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
