A poor but honest woodcutter accidentally dropped his iron axe into a deep river. He was devastated as it was his only tool for earning a living. A God appeared and decided to help him. The God first brought out a silver axe, but the woodcutter refused it. The God then brought out a golden axe, which the woodcutter also refused. Finally, the God brought out his old iron axe, which the woodcutter happily claimed. Impressed by his honesty, the God rewarded him by giving him all three axes.
As a reward for his integrity, the God gave the woodcutter his iron axe back and as well. The woodcutter returned home a wealthy man, but he remained the same humble and honest person he had always been. The Alternate Ending: The Greedy Neighbor completing story an honest woodcutter
In many versions, the story continues with a lesson on greed: A poor but honest woodcutter accidentally dropped his