The Symbols of Wisdom in Vishnu Purana and “The Three Brothers and the Golden Apple” (On Some General Philosophical Aspects in the Bulgarian Fairytale and Vishnu Purana, Chapter 2)

Abstract

e article draws parallels between the Bulgarian fairytale “The Three Brothers and the Golden Apple” and the second chapter of Vishnu Purana. The general philosophical aspects of these texts, which serve as a basis for the proposed hypothesis, are discussed. These are narratives of wisdom as a basis for the creation, development, existence of life, and human civilization. The gold thread in Vishnu Purana and the golden apple in the Bulgarian magic fairytale are symbols of knowledge and wisdom, with the power of which the visible world and the human society were created. If in Vishnu Purana this symbol is wrapped in a philosophical narrative about the creation of life, in “The Three Brothers and the Golden Apple” philosophy is hidden behind the seemingly concrete images and characters of the fairytale. In “The Three Brothers and the Golden Apple”, the tree with golden fruits symbolizes the tree of knowledge - an image that is present in all the sacred texts of the religions around the world. The tale is a story of the trials that one goes through in order to overcome one’s weaknesses, to know oneself, to understand the spiritual possibilities and qualities that make a person close and equal to God. The third brother continues his journey in the world, having a faithful companion - his intuition, symbolized by the most beautiful and intelligent princess. The third brother, or the symbol of the man who has overcome his weaknesses, can always benefit from the eternal Divine wisdom, symbolized by the golden apple.