Reading Notes: Part B for Week 14: Ashliman - The Peasant and the Devil

This story begins with a clever and with peasant who had been working in his field all day. As it was getting quite dark, he made preparation to head home when you spotted a pike a burning coals in his field. Amazed, he ventured toward the pile of coals and noticed a little black devil.

So, the peasant asserts that the devil must be sitting upon a treasure. The devil slyly agreed, stating that it contained more gold and silver than the peasant had ever seen in his life. Then, the devil bargained that the treasure shall be given the peasant in return for half of everything that is grown from the field for two years.

The clever peasant agreed, swearing to give the devil everything that grew above the ground and keeping everything that grew below the ground for himself. Unfortunately for the devil, the peasant planted turnips.

Upon harvest time, the devil was left with withered leaves, and the peasant left with his harvest of turnips. So, the devil would not be bested. Now, he shall have everything that grows below the ground, and the peasant shall have everything that grows above the ground.

Yet, the clever peasant planted wheat. So when it came time to harvest, the peasant made off with his plentiful harvest of wheat, while the devil was left with stubble. Thus, the peasant also carried the treasure that was promised to him by the devil.

This story illustrates how a clever mortal is able to outsmart a devil. Though, the devil bartered for half of the peasant's crops, the peasant was in no position to give away his crops. He had little wealth,  thus he had to make the most of his available crops. Alas, he saw the opportunity for gain and took advantage of it, outsmarting the devil and making off with the treasure.

Treasure Chest - Courtesy of Seed World


Bibliography: The Peasant and the Devil from the Grimm Brothers' Children's and Household Tales translated by D.L. Ashliman (1998-2013)

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