There lived two brothers. They grew up orphans and were very poor. When the brothers grew up and matured, they got married. But very soon, trouble began between the daughters-in-law: the women could not get along.
And the elder brother said to the younger:
- Brother! Our wives can't stand each other. Perhaps it’s better to separate than to live together and endure their quarrels forever.
And the brothers began to divide their property: large and small livestock, clothes, bed linen... They divided everything, even cut the table in half.
Some small iron items remained undivided, but they eventually divided them too. However, when the turn came to the axe, the brothers became thoughtful.
- Who will get it? - they racked their brains.
Finally one of them guessed:
“Let’s put the ax in the water and remain silent until it softens.”
And so they did. They say that the brothers are still silent - they are waiting for the time to share the ax.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru