Quack Brothers and the Solstice Swim

Under the midsummer sun, the lake sparkled like liquid emerald in the small town of Lough Gur. Under its surface was a tale stranger than any fairytale or any urban legend—the story of three brothers accidentally transformed into ducks when they crossed paths with their mother's irritable magic.

According to legend, centuries ago, the three brothers teased their mother, a skilled but temperamental Irish witch. Their curse could only be broken by swimming the lake of Lough Gur every summer solstice, as declared by the witch.

It is believed that the Quack Brothers tale became an annual tradition among the townspeople as the centuries passed. On the morning of the solstice, the entire town would gather at the lake's edge to enjoy sandwiches and lemonade. Children giggled, adults exchanged wagers on the outcome, and the local band composed rhymes about the ducks' plight.

For example:

Oh Duck, Oh Duck, Oh Duck of Three

swim the lake and we shall see

how on earth can you break the curse?

your mammy set on solstice birth.

Especially this year, there was a lot of anticipation. In addition to a costume contest and a duck-off competition, Mayor Lynnard had decreed that the festivities would include a duck-themed costume contest. Which prize will be awarded? A duck-shaped golden trophy. Quite fitting for the occasion, I thought.

As Gus, Russ, and Tuss waddled toward the lake on the morning of Summer Solstice, adorned with comically oversized swim caps and goggles, a crowd gathered. It was quite a sight to see how they got them on, but I have no clue how they did it. Almost as if to rally his brothers, Gus, the eldest, quacked solemnly. Tuss, the youngest and most earnest brother, flapped his wings in irritation after Russ blew a raspberry at a passing butterfly. Russ had a penchant for mischief.

As Gus ruffled his feathers with an air of solemn determination, he asked, "Are we ready, brothers?"

Russ adjusted his swim cap and grinned. "Born ready, Gus! Let's show them how ducks paddle!"

They launched themselves into the water with a synchronized quack, sending up diamond droplets that were reflected by the sun. The townsfolk cheered and clapped as they watched the ducks flap and splash their way across the lake. Gus, with his steady strokes, Russ, zigzagging to chase imaginary fish, or Tuss, paddling with the desperation of a duck determined to win, were some of those who bet on who would reach the far shore first.

Meanwhile, on the shore, Mayor Lynnard declared the quack-off open, inviting townsfolk to show off their best duck impressions. The results ranged from spot-on imitations to laughably off-key quacks that set off actual ducks into a quacking frenzy.

Gus took the lead, his determination fueling his flapping wings as the Quack Brothers approached the opposite shore. Tuss surged ahead with a burst of newfound speed while Russ was distracted by a floating reed. It was neck-and-neck (or rather, beak-and-beak) as they approached the finish line, a whisp of sunlit waves marking the end of their annual swim.

With a final ruffle of feathers and quacks, Gus crossed the line first, followed closely by Tuss, who let out a triumphant honk. In spite of his detour, Russ paddled up moments later, proclaiming himself the true winner.

The townsfolk roared into applause, laughter echoing across the lake. Mayor Lynnard presented the golden duck trophy to Gus, who accepted it with a proud quack. Russ demanded a recount amid protests from Tuss, who insisted he had seen a fish shaped like a pirate ship.

As the sun reached its peak, the Quack Brothers stood on the shore, now men once more, their curse finally broken by their annual swim. The town of Glimmering Springs celebrated in joy and shock seeing the three men standing there. They had a feast that lasted well into the night and weekend, filled with tales of ducks and brothers and the peculiar magic of small-town solstices.

And so, year after year, the legend of the Quack Brothers and their solstice swim continued to bring laughter and joy to the hearts of all who gathered at the lake of Lough Gur, where even the most absurd curses could be broken with a little determination and a lot of quacking.

Author Note: This tail was inspired by an old Irish legend my grandmother told me as a child. The picture also inspired my story from our local lake, which has 3 ducks that spend their evenings there.