Magical Wishes for All

The classic tale of the wood-cutter, his wife, and three wasted wishes, illustrated by Yuri Salzman, unfolds in a captivating narrative.

In a modest cottage nestled deep within the enchanted forest, a wood-cutter and his wife lived a simple yet content life. Day after day, the man would venture into the lush greenery, his trusty axe in hand, felling trees to provide for his family. His wife, a kind and diligent woman, would greet him each evening with a warm meal and a loving embrace.

One day, as the wood-cutter was toiling in the woods, he happened upon a peculiar sight. Resting at the base of a mighty oak tree was a luminous creature, its scales shimmering in the dappled sunlight. Astonished, the wood-cutter approached the creature, which revealed itself to be a mystical talking fish.

"Kind sir," the fish spoke, its voice soft and melodic, "you have stumbled upon a most extraordinary being. As a reward for sparing my life, I shall grant you three wishes, the likes of which you have never seen."

The wood-cutter, overwhelmed by this unexpected turn of events, hurried home to share the news with his wife. Together, they pondered the possibilities, their minds racing with dreams of wealth, prosperity, and a life of ease.

Their first wish, however, was not as grand as they had imagined. "I wish for a sausage," the wood-cutter declared, and before their very eyes, a delectable sausage appeared. Delighted, they quickly consumed the savory treat, but soon found themselves longing for something more substantial.

"A sausage is not enough," the wife lamented. "Let us use our second wish to have a table that will provide us with a grand feast whenever we desire it."

And so it came to pass, a magnificent table appeared before them, laden with an array of sumptuous dishes. The couple indulged in the feast, their bellies full and their spirits high.

Yet, as the days passed, they found themselves growing bored with the endless supply of food. The third wish, they decided, must be used to truly transform their lives.

"I wish for a cudgel that will rain blows upon me whenever I say the word 'cudgel'," the wood-cutter proclaimed.

Instantly, a sturdy cudgel materialized, and as the wood-cutter uttered the word, it began to rain blows upon him, striking him relentlessly. His wife, horrified, tried in vain to stop the punishment, but the cudgel continued its assault until the wood-cutter begged for it to cease.

Alas, the three wishes had been wasted, and the couple learned a valuable lesson about the importance of careful consideration and moderation when it comes to the power of the supernatural.

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