Long ago, in a beautiful green valley, there lived three male goats, known as the Gruff brothers. Their valley had been grazed bare, leaving them with almost nothing to eat. Across a sparkling stream lay a wide meadow, full of fresh, tender grass perfect for grazing. The only way to reach this rich meadow was by crossing a narrow wooden bridge that spanned the stream. But beneath the bridge lurked a fearsome and ugly Troll, with huge bulging eyes, a long crooked nose, and a reputation for being extremely dangerous.
The youngest Gruff goat was the first to make his way to the bridge. He stepped lightly and carefully, trying not to make much noise: trip-trap, trip-trap. Suddenly, the Troll thrust his enormous, terrifying head out from under the bridge and bellowed, "WHO is crossing MY bridge?" The little Gruff trembled, his tiny voice shaking as he replied, "It is I, the youngest Gruff. I am going up the hill to eat the fresh grass." The Troll growled menacingly, "I will eat you right now!" But the youngest Gruff pleaded, "Please do not eat me! I am too small. Wait for my older brother. He is much bigger." Thinking a larger goat would make a more satisfying meal, the Troll agreed, "Very well, go on!" And just like that, the youngest Gruff scampered safely across the bridge to the green meadow.
Next, the middle Gruff goat approached. His steps were heavier, making louder sounds on the wooden planks: trip-trap, trip-trap, TRIP-TRAP. The Troll poked his head out again, his voice booming, "WHO is crossing MY bridge?" The middle Gruff replied confidently, "It is I, the middle Gruff. I am going to the hill to eat the green grass." The Troll snarled, "I will eat you right now!" But the middle goat answered calmly, "Do not eat me! Wait for my oldest brother. He is much bigger and fatter than I am." Imagining an even larger meal, the Troll stepped aside and said, "Very well, go on!" The middle Gruff trotted safely across the bridge and joined his younger brother in the meadow.
Finally, the largest Gruff goat approached. Each of his massive steps shook the bridge violently, making the loudest noise yet: TRIP-TRAP! TRIP-TRAP! TRIP-TRAP! The Troll, now furious and hungry, leapt out with a roar that echoed through the valley: "WHO is crossing MY bridge? I WILL EAT YOU NOW!" The largest Gruff, standing tall and fearless, replied in a deep, commanding voice, "It is I, the largest Gruff! You want to eat me? Very well, come and try!" The Troll charged at him with all his strength, but the biggest Gruff was ready. He lowered his enormous, sharp horns and rammed the Troll with full force. The Troll was thrown high into the air and landed in the rushing stream below, where the powerful current carried him away. He was never seen again.
With the Troll finally defeated, all three Gruff goats happily reunited on the lush green meadow. They grazed peacefully, enjoying the fresh grass, and lived happily ever after. From that day forward, no one ever feared crossing the bridge to reach the beautiful meadow, and the tale of the brave Gruff brothers became a timeless story of courage, cleverness, and determination.