A beautiful, but proud queen would like to get married but do not know who. She conceives of a competition: the man who first brings her the very special flower that grows in the forest may marry her.

Many men from the kingdom accept the challenge, including two brothers. The eldest brother is brave, mean and reckless, the youngest brother kind, gentle and curious. Soon the youngest brother finds the flower, picks it and places it on his hat. Satisfied he takes a nap against a tree.

The eldest brother is furious when he discovers his younger brother with the flower in his hat, steals the flower and kills the boy in his sleep. He returns to the castle to claim the queen's hand.

---

A listening guide of Das Klagende Lied – Waldmärchen with Lew Smoley