The Five Chinese Brothers

There were five Chinese brothers who all looked alike, living happily with their mother. They each possess strange powers that were all different to the others. One could swallow the sea, one had a neck of iron, one can stretch his legs, one loved to dance inside of fires, and one can hold his breath forever. One day the sea-swallower who is a fishermen, took a small boy who wanted what treasures lie in the sea. So the sea swallower brother, did just that and the little boy ran out delightfully scooping up lots of treasure that was so far from shore. Unable to hold any longer, the brother tried to get the little boy to return but he just kept getting farther away. No more can he hold back the sea, it all returned with a rush and the little boy drowned. The brother was brought to trial, found guilty and sentenced to the axeman for execution, but his brother took his place and as the axe fell, his neck still remained in place. Then the brother was sentenced to the rack, so his brother took his place and the rack man tied him, a turned to stretch his body till it breaks, but it did not. Then the brother was sentenced to be burned alive, so his brother took his place and just danced in the oven and did not burn. Then the brother was sentenced to be hanged and suffocate, so his brother took his place, and just dangled whilst holding his breath till they brought him down. The brother stood before the judge who said, "What men tried to do, nature has decided to undo, so by final judgement of this court, it is by decree, that the brother is hereby free. Then the five brothers rejoiced and returned home to their mother's much delight. Date: 06/12/2019