When three hungry soldiers arrive in the village, the people quickly hide their food, because they fear strangers and they are selfish. The soldiers ask at each door for some food, but no one has any to spare for them. Rather than complain, the soldiers declare they will have to make stone soup, if anyone can at least loan them a large pot. Well, this is a strange thing indeed, so one of the villagers quickly brings them a pot. They fill it with water and add three stones. The villagers are so amazed, they are quick to volunteer additional ingredients at the soldiers' request, and thus eventually everyone enjoys a fine meal fit for a king - all from a few stones!