The Peasant and the Demon

There was once a peasant who lived alone in the countryside. He had a small cottage and an acre or two of land, from which he managed to scrape a living. It was hard work toiling from dawn to dusk on the land, and the poor peasant was not getting any younger. He was soon going to have to think about retiring. However, he had not managed to save any money, and there was nobody who could look after him in his old age.

An Unexpected Encounter

One day, the poor peasant was returning home after a hard day working in the field when he saw a bright light shining in the darkness. Upon closer inspection, he noticed that it was a fire made of red-hot coals, and perched atop of the coals was a little demon. The peasant stopped and bowed to the demon, wanting to avoid angering it by not offering a simple ‘Good evening.’

The Demon’s Bargain

‘Good evening, poor peasant,’ said the little demon. ‘It has come to my notice that you will be retiring soon. As you have no money, I have decided to make a bargain with you. Under this pile of red-hot coals is a chest full of treasure. It will be yours if you will give me the crop that you grow in your field each year. My hands are so hot that any delicate seedlings I touch shrivel up, and it becomes impossible for me to grow anything.’

The Peasant’s Clever Strategy

‘Very well, I accept,’ said the peasant, ‘But we must do this properly. You will take the half of the crop that grows above the ground and I will take the half that grows below.’

The bargain was agreed upon and the two parted ways. The following year the farmer harvested his half of the crop. A few days later, the demon came to the field, eager to collect his part of the bargain. However, the demon’s high hopes turned into furious anger when he found that the crafty peasant had grown carrots, so all that he was left with were the leafy tops of the carrots.

Outsmarting the Demon, Again

In a subsequent meeting, the demon, thinking that he could not be easily tricked again, changed the terms of the deal. He would take the half that grows beneath the ground, he declared, leaving the above-ground portion for the peasant. However, the peasant’s cunning revealed itself once more when, at the time of harvest, it was found that the crop was wheat, leaving only useless roots for the demon.

The Peasant’s Victory

In his furious rage, the demon ran around the field, sparks flying from his feet and hands. His anger got the better of him, leading him to jump into a nearby stream. The water doused his fiery form and, as he emerged from the water, he lamented his extinguished fire and his inability to be a wicked demon again.

The peasant, having quietly observed this entire spectacle, retrieved the hidden treasure beneath the pile of coals. To his great joy, he found a large chest full of jewels and gold. With this newfound wealth, the peasant was able to live comfortably for the rest of his life.