Skip to content

Flowers Quote by Jacob Grimm

“A merchant, who had three daughters, was once setting out upon a journey; but before he went he asked each daughter what gift he should bring back for her. The eldest wished for pearls; the second for jewels; but the third, who was called Lily, said, 'Dear father, bring me a rose.' Now it was no…” quote by Jacob Grimm
Download Open image
““A merchant, who had three daughters, was once setting out upon a journey; but before he went he asked each daughter what gift he should bring back for her. The eldest wished for pearls; the second for jewels; but the third, who was called Lily, said, 'Dear father, bring me a rose.' Now it was no easy task to find a rose, for it was the middle of winter; yet as she was his prettiest daughter, and was very fond of flowers, her father said he would try what he could do. So he kissed all three, and bid them goodbye.””

Jacob Grimm

About This Quote

Source Fable: The Three Daughters, collected by Jacob Grimm, 19th century

A father seeks to please his daughters, but the youngest asks for something simple and impossible in winter, highlighting love and sacrifice over material gifts.

In simple terms: A father tries to fulfill his daughters' wishes, even when one request is hard.

Key Takeaway

Love may demand effort beyond convenience.

Themes

family love gift-giving effort sacrifice

Mood

tender reflective

Type

fable moralistic

When to use this quote

  • parental decisions
  • holiday planning
  • unexpected challenges
  • showing affection

Key Concepts

filial duty symbolism winter scarcity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance heartfelt gestures with realistic constraints?
  • What does the rose symbolize for the daughter?
A Different Perspective

Not all gifts can be obtained easily; practicality may limit fulfillment.

2.7 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Jacob Grimm

Explore all 47 Jacob Grimm quotes

More Flowers quotes

Browse all 4,113 Flowers quotes