The Loveliest Riddle

Matej, a likable shepherd, has a good heart, cleverness to spare and, apart from puzzles, he also likes Majdalenka, the daughter of the farmer he works for. Majdalenka reciprocates his love, but her father has already chosen another groom for her, Jakub, the son of the town clerk. Nothing is lost, however, because Matej has rescued a white pigeon, who in return has brought a magical strawberry, thanks to which he and his beloved understand the language of birds. When the peasant throws Matej out, the young man goes to the castle, where he is currently competing in a riddle for the hand of Princess Rosemary. Whoever guesses three will get to marry her. Unlike the others, Matej is not deterred when the king announces an amendment that those who fail to guess will lose their ears and nose.