The Poor Man and the Rich Man
by Brothers Grimm · from Household Tales
Adapted Version
A tired old man walked down a road. It was a cold night. He was hungry. He was cold. He needed a place to sleep.
He saw a big, pretty house. He walked to the door. Knock knock! He knocked on the door. A rich man opened it.
"Go away!" said the rich man. "No room for you!" He shut the door. The old man was sad.
The old man looked across the road. He saw a small house. He walked to it.
A kind man opened the door. "Come in!" he said. He smiled. A kind woman smiled too. "Here is food," she said. They shared their dinner. "Have our bed," said the kind man. They slept on the floor. The old man slept in the warm bed.
The sun came up. The old man smiled. "You are very kind," he said. "I am a magic man. I give you three wishes."
"I want to be happy," he said. "I want good food every day. I want a nice house." Poof! A pretty new house was there. It had a red roof. It had big windows.
The rich man woke up. He looked out. He saw the new house. "What?! How?!" His wife told him about him. He was very angry.
The rich man ran down the road. He found the old man. "Please! Give me wishes too!" He tried to be nice.
"Be careful with wishes," said the old man. But the rich man did not listen. He got three wishes.
The rich man walked home. He thought and thought. A bird sang too loud. He got angry. "I wish that bird would go away!" Poof! The bird flew away. One wish was gone!
He got home. He saw his wife in a big chair. He wanted that chair. "I wish I had that chair!" Poof! His old chair broke. Two wishes were gone!
His wife was sad. The house was messy. He had to fix the chair. "I wish my chair was not broken." Poof! The chair was back. But all three wishes were gone!
The rich man had no wishes left. He was very sad. He got nothing. But the kind man and the kind woman? They lived in their pretty house. They had good food every day. The kind man shared. And they were happy every day.
Original Story
The poor man and the rich man
A fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm
In olden times, when the Lord himself still used to walk about on this earth amongst men, it once happened that he was tired and overtaken by the darkness before he could reach an inn. Now there stood on the road before him two houses facing each other; the one large and beautiful, the other small and poor. The large one belonged to a rich man, and the small one to a poor man.
Then the Lord thought, "I shall be no burden to the rich man, I will stay the night with him." When the rich man heard some one knocking at his door, he opened the window and asked the stranger what he wanted. The Lord answered, "I only ask for a night's lodging."
Then the rich man looked at the traveler from head to foot, and as the Lord was wearing common clothes, and did not look like one who had much money in his pocket, he shook his head, and said, "No, I cannot take you in, my rooms are full of herbs and seeds; and if I were to lodge everyone who knocked at my door, I might very soon go begging myself. Go somewhere else for a lodging," and with this he shut down the window and left the Lord standing there.
So the Lord turned his back on the rich man, and went across to the small house and knocked. He had hardly done so when the poor man opened the little door and bade the traveler come in. "Pass the night with me, it is already dark," said he; "you cannot go any further to-night." This pleased the Lord, and he went in. The poor man's wife shook hands with him, and welcomed him, and said he was to make himself at home and put up with what they had got; they had not much to offer him, but what they had they would give him with all their hearts. Then she put the potatoes on the fire, and while they were boiling, she milked the goat, that they might have a little milk with them. When the cloth was laid, the Lord sat down with the man and his wife, and he enjoyed their coarse food, for there were happy faces at the table. When they had had supper and it was bed-time, the woman called her husband apart and said, "Hark you, dear husband, let us make up a bed of straw for ourselves to-night, and then the poor traveler can sleep in our bed and have a good rest, for he has been walking the whole day through, and that makes one weary." - "With all my heart," he answered, "I will go and offer it to him;" and he went to the stranger and invited him, if he had no objection, to sleep in their bed and rest his limbs properly. But the Lord was unwilling to take their bed from the two old folks; however, they would not be satisfied, until at length he did it and lay down in their bed, while they themselves lay on some straw on the ground.
Next morning they got up before daybreak, and made as good a breakfast as they could for the guest. When the sun shone in through the little window, and the Lord had got up, he again ate with them, and then prepared to set out on his journey.
But as he was standing at the door he turned round and said, "As you are so kind and good, you may wish three things for yourselves and I will grant them." Then the man said, "What else should I wish for but eternal happiness, and that we two, as long as we live, may be healthy and have every day our daily bread; for the third wish, I do not know what to have." And the Lord said to him, "Will you wish for a new house instead of this old one?" - "Oh, yes," said the man; "if I can have that, too, I should like it very much." And the Lord fulfilled his wish, and changed their old house into a new one, again gave them his blessing, and went on.
The sun was high when the rich man got up and leaned out of his window and saw, on the opposite side of the way, a new clean-looking house with red tiles and bright windows where the old hut used to be. He was very much astonished, and called his wife and said to her, "Tell me, what can have happened? Last night there was a miserable little hut standing there, and to-day there is a beautiful new house. Run over and see how that has come to pass."
So his wife went and asked the poor man, and he said to her, "Yesterday evening a traveler came here and asked for a night's lodging, and this morning when he took leave of us he granted us three wishes -- eternal happiness, health during this life and our daily bread as well, and besides this, a beautiful new house instead of our old hut."
When the rich man's wife heard this, she ran back in haste and told her husband how it had happened. The man said, "I could tear myself to pieces! If I had but known that! That traveler came to our house too, and wanted to sleep here, and I sent him away." - "Quick!" said his wife, "get on your horse. You can still catch the man up, and then you must ask to have three wishes granted to you."
The rich man followed the good counsel and galloped away on his horse, and soon came up with the Lord. He spoke to him softly and pleasantly, and begged him not to take it amiss that he had not let him in directly; he was looking for the front-door key, and in the meantime the stranger had gone away, if he returned the same way he must come and stay with him. "Yes," said the Lord; "if I ever come back again, I will do so." Then the rich man asked if might not wish for three things too, as his neighbor had done? "Yes," said the Lord, he might, but it would not be to his advantage, and he had better not wish for anything; but the rich man thought that he could easily ask for something which would add to his happiness, if he only knew that it would be granted. So the Lord said to him, "Ride home, then, and three wishes which you shall form, shall be fulfilled."
The rich man had now gained what he wanted, so he rode home, and began to consider what he should wish for. As he was thus thinking he let the bridle fall, and the horse began to caper about, so that he was continually disturbed in his meditations, and could not collect his thoughts at all. He patted its neck, and said, "Gently, Lisa," but the horse only began new tricks. Then at last he was angry, and cried quite impatiently, "I wish your neck was broken!" Directly he had said the words, down the horse fell on the ground, and there it lay dead and never moved again. And thus was his first wish fulfilled. As he was miserly by nature, he did not like to leave the harness lying there; so he cut it off, and put it on his back; and now he had to go on foot. "I have still two wishes left," said he, and comforted himself with that thought.
And now as he was walking slowly through the sand, and the sun was burning hot at noon-day, he grew quite hot-tempered and angry. The saddle hurt his back, and he had not yet any idea what to wish for. "If I were to wish for all the riches and treasures in the world," said he to himself, "I should still to think of all kinds of other things later on, I know that, beforehand. But I will manage so that there is nothing at all left me to wish for afterwards." Then he sighed and said, "Ah, if I were but that Bavarian peasant, who likewise had three wishes granted to him, and knew quite well what to do, and in the first place wished for a great deal of beer, and in the second for as much beer as he was able to drink, and in the third for a barrel of beer into the bargain."
Many a time he thought he had found it, but then it seemed to him to be, after all, too little. Then it came into his mind, what an easy life his wife had, for she stayed at home in a cool room and enjoyed herself. This really did vex him, and before he was aware, he said, "I just wish she was sitting there on this saddle, and could not get off it, instead of my having to drag it along on my back." And as the last word was spoken, the saddle disappeared from his back, and he saw that his second wish had been fulfilled. Then he really did feel warm. He began to run and wanted to be quite alone in his own room at home, to think of something really large for his last wish. But when he arrived there and opened the parlour-door, he saw his wife sitting in the middle of the room on the saddle, crying and complaining, and quite unable to get off it. So he said, "Do bear it, and I will wish for all the riches on earth for thee, only stay where thou art." She, however, called him a fool, and said, "What good will all the riches on earth do me, if I am to sit on this saddle? Thou hast wished me on it, so thou must help me off." So whether he would or not, he was forced to let his third wish be that she should be quit of the saddle, and able to get off it, and immediately the wish was fulfilled. So he got nothing by it but vexation, trouble, abuse, and the loss of his horse; but the poor people lived happily, quietly, and piously until their happy death.
- * * * *
Story DNA
Moral
True happiness and blessings come from generosity and kindness, while greed and selfishness lead to misfortune and discontent.
Plot Summary
The Lord, disguised as a weary traveler, is refused lodging by a wealthy, selfish man but warmly welcomed by a kind, poor couple. In gratitude, the Lord grants the poor couple three wishes, which they use wisely for happiness, health, and a new home. The rich man, upon learning of this, chases the Lord and demands his own wishes. However, due to his impatience and greed, he wastes his wishes on trivial and destructive things, ultimately gaining nothing but vexation and loss, while the poor couple lives a blessed life.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph (for the poor) / pride to humility (for the rich)
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This tale reflects common Christian themes of charity, humility, and divine judgment prevalent in European folklore, often featuring God or saints in disguise testing human character.
Plot Beats (14)
- The Lord, disguised as a weary traveler, seeks shelter for the night.
- He approaches a large, beautiful house belonging to a rich man.
- The rich man rudely refuses him lodging, citing lack of space and his own potential poverty if he housed everyone.
- The Lord then goes to a small, poor house across the road.
- The poor man and his wife immediately welcome the stranger, offering their meager food and their own bed, sleeping on straw themselves.
- The next morning, the Lord reveals his divine identity and grants the kind poor couple three wishes.
- The poor man wishes for eternal happiness, health, daily bread, and a new house, all of which are granted.
- The rich man wakes up, sees the poor man's new house, and learns about the traveler and the granted wishes from his wife.
- Enraged, the rich man rides after the Lord, feigning politeness and asking for his own three wishes.
- The Lord warns the rich man that his wishes will not be to his advantage but grants them anyway.
- While riding home and contemplating his wishes, the rich man's horse annoys him, and he impatiently wishes its neck broken, which immediately happens.
- Annoyed by the heavy saddle and his wife's comfortable life, he wishes his wife were stuck on the saddle, which also immediately happens.
- He returns home to find his wife crying, stuck on the saddle, and is forced to use his final wish to free her.
- The rich man gains nothing but trouble and loss, while the poor couple lives happily and piously until their death.
Characters
The Lord ★ protagonist
Appears as a common traveler, wearing common clothes.
Attire: Common clothes, suggesting a traveler of modest means.
Benevolent, observant, just, testing.
Image Prompt & Upload
A nobleman in his early thirties with a strong jawline and calm, authoritative grey eyes. His dark brown hair is neatly styled, and he has a short, trimmed beard. He wears a richly embroidered deep blue velvet doublet over a white linen shirt, with polished leather boots. A heavy, dark wool cloak is draped over his shoulders, fastened with a silver clasp. He stands tall in a relaxed but confident pose, one hand resting on the pommel of a sheathed sword at his hip. His expression is thoughtful and resolute. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Rich Man ⚔ antagonist
Implied to be well-fed and comfortable, contrasting with his miserly nature.
Attire: Fine clothes, though not explicitly described, fitting his wealth.
Miserly, selfish, short-sighted, ill-tempered, greedy.
Image Prompt & Upload
A portly older man in his 60s with a cold, calculating expression and thin, slicked-back grey hair. He wears an opulent, deep purple velvet doublet with gold brocade, tight black hose, and pointed leather shoes. His fingers are adorned with heavy gold rings. He stands stiffly, holding a velvet pouch overflowing with gold coins, looking down his nose with a disdainful smirk. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Poor Man ◆ supporting
Implied to be humble and hardworking.
Attire: Simple, worn clothing appropriate for a peasant.
Kind, generous, hospitable, content, pious.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly man in his late 60s with a thin, weary frame, deep wrinkles, and kind, tired eyes. He has unkempt, graying hair and a short, scruffy beard. He wears a faded, patched brown tunic over worn trousers, secured at the waist with a simple rope belt. His feet are in worn, dusty leather boots. He stands with a humble, slightly slumped posture, holding a worn wooden walking staff in one hand. His expression is gentle and resigned. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Poor Man's Wife ◆ supporting
Implied to be hardworking and nurturing.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing appropriate for a peasant woman.
Kind, welcoming, generous, thoughtful, selfless.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged woman with kind, weary eyes and a gentle expression, her hair tied back in a simple bun with loose strands framing her face. She wears a faded, patched dress of homespun fabric with a clean but worn apron. Her posture is slightly stooped, leaning one hand on a rough wooden table as if pausing from work. The scene is a humble cottage interior with sparse furnishings, a small hearth, and bundles of dried herbs hanging from the ceiling. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Rich Man's Wife ○ minor
Implied to be comfortable and perhaps a bit vain, later seen crying on a saddle.
Attire: Fine clothes, later stuck on a saddle.
Curious, quick to advise, later complaining and abusive.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged woman with a slender build and poised posture, standing with her hands gently clasped before her. She has dark hair pulled back into a neat, low bun, revealing delicate pearl earrings. Her expression is calm and slightly aloof. She wears a high-collared gown of deep blue velvet with long sleeves, the fabric subtly gleaming. A simple gold chain with a small pendant rests at her throat. Her skirt falls in soft, elegant folds to the floor. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Lisa ○ minor
A horse, prone to capering.
Attire: Harness and saddle.
Restless, spirited.
Image Prompt & Upload
A 10-year-old girl with bright, curious eyes and a playful smile. She has shoulder-length wavy brown hair tied into two messy pigtails with blue ribbon. She is wearing a light yellow summer dress with a small white floral pattern, white ankle socks, and scuffed brown Mary Jane shoes. She stands with her hands clasped behind her back, leaning slightly forward with an inquisitive posture. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Road before two houses
A road at dusk, with two houses facing each other: one large and beautiful, the other small and poor.
Mood: weary, uncertain, contrasting
The Lord is looking for lodging and chooses between the rich and poor man's houses.
Image Prompt & Upload
At dusk, a winding cobblestone road leads between two opposing houses under a twilight sky fading from warm orange to deep purple. On one side, a grand, beautiful mansion with ornate gables, tall arched windows, and a manicured garden of blooming roses and trimmed hedges. On the other, a small, poor cottage with a thatched roof, peeling paint, and a barren yard littered with fallen leaves. Soft mist rises from the ground, and long shadows stretch across the road as the last sunlight glimmers. Ancient trees with golden autumn leaves frame the scene, adding a mystical, fairy-tale atmosphere. The air is still and serene, highlighting the stark contrast between prosperity and poverty. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
Rich Man's House (Exterior/Window)
A large and beautiful house, from which the rich man opens a window to speak to the Lord.
Mood: unwelcoming, cold, opulent (implied)
The rich man refuses the Lord lodging.
Image Prompt & Upload
A grand, opulent mansion at golden hour, its pale marble facade glowing warmly in the low sun. A tall, arched window on the second floor is thrown open, the heavy velvet curtains stirring in a gentle breeze. Intricate stained glass details frame the dark, empty opening. The manicured garden below features sculpted hedges and a pebble path leading to an ornate iron gate. Climbing ivy softens the stonework. The sky is a soft gradient of peach and lavender, with the first faint stars appearing. A sense of quiet, majestic solitude pervades the scene. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Poor Man's House (Interior)
A small, humble house with a little door, where the poor man and his wife live. It has a fire for cooking, a place to milk a goat, and a bed.
Mood: warm, welcoming, humble, grateful
The Lord is welcomed, fed, and given the couple's bed; he grants them three wishes here.
Image Prompt & Upload
Evening light filters through a small, crooked window into a humble, one-room cottage interior. Warm orange glow from a low stone hearth fire illuminates rough-hewn wooden walls and a packed earth floor. A simple straw-filled bed rests in one corner, covered with a patched quilt. Near the fire, a three-legged stool and a wooden pail sit beside a tethered goat. The tiny, arched wooden door is slightly ajar, showing a glimpse of a dusky forest outside. Colors are muted browns, deep oranges, and shadowy blues, creating a cozy yet impoverished atmosphere. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Road (Rich Man's Journey)
A sandy road under a hot midday sun, where the rich man rides his horse and later walks.
Mood: frustrating, isolated, increasingly angry
The rich man makes his first two ill-fated wishes: his horse's neck breaks, and his wife is wished onto the saddle.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sun-baked sandy road stretches into the distance under a blinding midday sun. The air shimmers with heat distortion above the pale, cracked earth. Sparse, dry scrub and gnarled, leafless trees dot the barren landscape. The light is harsh and unforgiving, casting deep, sharp shadows. The color palette is dominated by bleached gold, ochre, and a washed-out, pale blue sky. The scene feels desolate, lonely, and oppressively hot. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Rich Man's Parlour
A cool room in the rich man's house, where his wife is found sitting on the saddle, crying and complaining.
Mood: frantic, chaotic, regretful
The rich man finds his wife stuck on the saddle and is forced to use his last wish to free her.
Image Prompt & Upload
Evening light filters through tall, arched windows into a vast, cool parlour. Dim illumination from a grand marble fireplace and flickering candelabras casts long shadows across polished oak floors and ornate, dark wood paneling. A heavy velvet curtain, deep crimson, hangs motionless. An ornate, empty wooden saddle rests on a plush settee. Muted tones of burgundy, gold, and deep blue dominate the opulent yet somber space. A single, wilting white rose lies on a Persian rug near the cold hearth. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
