Choosing (Russian/Romani World Tale)

​After the space was cleared and tents were pitched, the chief was approached by parents who
asked him for help in finding husbands for their three daughters. He summoned all the young
men and carefully decided upon the three he thought most fitting. He told them, “Go into the
hills and return with whatever you think most necessary for life.”

​Three days passed. On the fourth day, as the tribe prepared for the wedding celebrations, the
three men returned. “Show us what you’ve chosen,” said the chief.
The first man took a lump of gold from his sack and handed it to the chief. Pleased, he said, “You
have worked hard to bring a fine gift. You shall marry the richest of the three.”
When it was the second man’s turn, he opened his sack and showed the carcass of a deer. “You
have done well,” said the chief. “Your family will never go hungry. You shall wed the curviest of
the three.”
When it was the third man’s turn the chief looked and saw no sack. “What have your found?” he
asked. “Surely you have not returned empty-handed.
The young man blushed. “As I walked across the hills, filled with so much beauty my heart was
filled with joy. Then, at the top of one hill, was the loveliest flower I’ve ever seen.” Out of a
small bag he carefully showed the chief the flower.
“Well,” said the chief, “since you see beauty where you walk, you shall have the loveliest.”
Thus were the three young maidens betrothed to the three young men.