The Princess on the Glass Hill

Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there lived a king and queen who had three sons. The king, who was getting old, decided that it was time to find a husband for his only daughter, the princess. The princess was known throughout the land for her beauty, kindness, and intelligence, but she was also very proud and determined. She didn’t want to marry just anyone, and so she decided that she would marry the man who could accomplish a nearly impossible task—climbing the glass hill.

The glass hill was a towering mountain that rose high above the kingdom. Its surface was made entirely of smooth, shining glass, so slippery that no one had ever managed to climb it. The king, knowing how difficult this task would be, announced to the kingdom that whoever could reach the top of the glass hill and claim the beautiful princess’s hand in marriage would be rewarded with her love and the title of prince.

The three brothers, who loved their sister dearly, heard of the challenge and decided to try their luck. The eldest brother, the bravest and strongest, was the first to attempt the climb. He put on his best armor and set off toward the glass hill, determined to win the princess’s hand. But when he arrived at the base of the hill, he soon realized that the smooth glass surface was too slippery. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get a foothold. After several failed attempts, he gave up in frustration and returned home.

The second brother, equally determined, decided to try next. He, too, dressed in his finest clothes and set off toward the glass hill. He watched his elder brother’s failed attempt and thought that perhaps he could do it differently. But as he climbed, he too found the glass surface treacherous, and he soon lost his footing. He slid back down, unable to reach the top, and returned home, defeated.

Now it was the turn of the youngest brother, who was often overlooked by his older siblings. He was not as strong or as brave as they were, but he was determined to try his best. He had no fine armor or clothes like his brothers, and many of the kingdom’s people doubted his chances. He was a humble young man, but his heart was full of hope.

The youngest brother, who had been taught by his mother to be kind and patient, set off toward the glass hill with only a simple coat and shoes. He didn’t have the fancy armor that his brothers wore, but he believed that if he tried hard enough, he could succeed. When he arrived at the base of the glass hill, he saw his brothers at the bottom, looking up at the smooth surface with frustration in their eyes.

“Do not worry, my brothers,” the youngest one said kindly. “I will try my best, and perhaps I will succeed where you have not.”

With that, he began to climb. He placed his hands and feet carefully on the glass, taking slow and deliberate steps. Unlike his brothers, who had tried to rush, he moved with patience and caution. He didn’t let the challenge intimidate him, and he kept his focus on reaching the top, one step at a time.

To his surprise, the further he climbed, the easier it became. The glass surface, though slippery, seemed to hold him as he carefully found his way upward. He made steady progress, and after a while, he was nearly halfway up the hill.

At this moment, the youngest brother noticed something strange. He saw that the glass hill was not just a smooth surface—it was also filled with strange, shimmering lights that seemed to guide his way. He realized that these lights were meant to help him, and he began to climb with renewed determination. The higher he went, the more confident he became.

After much effort and perseverance, the youngest brother finally reached the top of the glass hill. The view from the top was breathtaking. He could see the entire kingdom stretched out below him, with the castle in the distance, shining in the sunlight. He had done it—he had climbed the glass hill!

At the top of the hill stood the princess, waiting for him. She smiled warmly as she saw him approach, for she had been watching from the castle, waiting for the one who would prove worthy of her hand in marriage. She had been impressed by the youngest brother’s patience and humility, for she knew that the climb was not just about strength or bravery, but about perseverance and determination.

“You are the one who has succeeded,” the princess said softly. “You have climbed the glass hill with patience and care. You have shown that true courage comes not from brute strength, but from the heart. I will marry you, for you have proven yourself worthy.”

The youngest brother was overjoyed and humbled by the princess’s words. He had not expected to win her heart with his climb, but he was grateful for her kindness and the chance to prove himself. He accepted her offer, and they were married in a grand ceremony, surrounded by their families and friends.

The eldest and second brothers, who had returned to the castle after their own failed attempts, were ashamed of their pride and impatience. They realized that their strength alone could not have won the princess’s heart. They understood that the youngest brother, with his quiet determination and humility, was the one who truly deserved her love.

As for the youngest brother and the princess, they lived happily ever after. They ruled the kingdom with wisdom and kindness, always remembering that true greatness is not about outward appearances or strength, but about perseverance, humility, and the courage to keep going, even when the task seems impossible.