The King of the Golden River; or, the Black Brothers: A Legend of Stiria.

"The King of the Golden River; or, the Black Brothers: A Legend of Stiria" by John Ruskin is a fairy tale published in the late 19th century. The book is notable for its blend of fantasy and moral lessons set in a mythical version of Styria, exploring themes such as greed, kindness, and the consequences of one's actions. It embodies the moralistic nature often found in fairy tales, though it is also distinguished by Ruskin's rich, descriptive prose and social commentary. The story follows three brothers who inherit a prosperous valley known as the Treasure Valley. The eldest brothers, Schwartz and Hans, are cruel and greedy, while the youngest brother, Gluck, is kind-hearted and compassionate. After a visit from the personification of the South-West Wind, who curses the brothers for their lack of hospitality, they lose their riches. The brothers go on ill-fated quests for gold from the magical Golden River, but their selfishness leads to their downfall as they turn into stones after failing the challenges laid out by the King of the Golden River. In contrast, Gluck's selfless actions eventually lead him to successfully turn the river to gold by adhering to the moral principles established by the dwarf king, thus restoring the valley's vitality and securing his own happiness. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Ruskin was an English polymath – a writer, lecturer, art historian, art critic, draughtsman and philanthropist of the Victorian era. He wrote on subjects as varied as art, architecture, political economy, education, museology, geology, botany, ornithology, literature, history, and myth.