The story of the three brothers and the toad appears in various folklore traditions, often highlighting themes of wisdom and greed. In these tales, the brothers embark on a quest and encounter a toad who serves as a guide or test. The youngest brother usually demonstrates kindness and humility, leading to rewards, while the others, driven by greed or pride, face consequences. This narrative emphasizes the importance of character and illustrates moral lessons about the value of compassion over selfish ambition.