The Three Hermits by Leo Tolstoy | Short Story | AudioBook FULL Unabridged

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Understand and Appreciate the Story of "The Three Hermits" by Leo Tolstoy

1. Introduction to the Story:

   • This short story, "The Three Hermits" by Leo Tolstoy, tells the tale of a bishop who encounters three hermits while on a journey. The hermits live on a remote island and have a unique way of praying that captures the bishop's attention.

2. Setting the Scene:

   • The story begins with a bishop sailing with pilgrims to a monastery. The bishop overhears a fisherman talking about the three hermits who live on a distant island for the salvation of their souls.

3. Spotting the Island:

   • The bishop struggles to see the island at first but eventually, with the help of others, he spots it in the distance and becomes determined to meet the hermits.

4. Meeting the Hermits:

   • The bishop decides to go ashore to meet the hermits despite the captain's reservations. He takes a boat and approaches the island where he sees the three hermits standing hand in hand.

5. Teaching the Hermits:

   • The bishop observes that the hermits do not know how to pray correctly and decides to teach them the Lord's Prayer. He spends the day repeating the prayer with them until they can say it correctly.

6. Departure:

   • As night falls, the bishop prepares to leave. He blesses the hermits and returns to the ship, leaving the hermits on the shore as the ship sails away.

7. Surprising Encounter:

   • While on the ship, the bishop sees the hermits miraculously running on the water towards the ship. They express their struggle to remember the prayer correctly and ask the bishop to teach them again.

8. Final Lesson:

   • The bishop humbly tells the hermits that their own prayer will reach the Lord and advises them to pray for sinners like himself. The hermits turn and walk back across the water, disappearing into the night.

9. Reflection:

   • The story ends with a sense of wonder and spirituality as the bishop witnesses the miraculous nature of the hermits and their deep connection to their faith.

10. Conclusion:

    • The story of "The Three Hermits" by Leo Tolstoy highlights the simplicity and purity of faith and prayer, showing that true devotion transcends rituals and formalities.

By following these steps, you can gain a deeper understanding of the story and appreciate the spiritual themes and lessons it conveys.