A Tale of the Dead II
A carpenter returns home late at night after a feast and encounters the ghost of a long-dead friend. They share a drink and reminisce, but the carpenter is hesitant to stay the night, citing responsibilities. The ghost insists he ride his horse for a quicker journey. As they ride, the atmosphere shifts ominously, culminating in a shocking revelation when the rooster crows, revealing the carpenter is riding on a gravestone, indicating he is in the realm of the dead. The narrative explores themes of life, death, and the thin veil between the two. The carpenter's initial joy in reuniting with his friend quickly turns to horror as he realizes the implications of his situation. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignoring the boundaries between the living and the dead, emphasizing the inevitability of mortality and the importance of recognizing one's reality. The ghostly encounter becomes a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and the haunting memories of those who have passed. The carpenter's journey reflects a deeper existential struggle, illustrating the tension between earthly pleasures and the ultimate fate that awaits all.
By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1822 · Genre: Fantasy, Folklore, Horror · 262 words
First lines
Once a carpenter was going home late at night from a strange village: he had been at a jolly feast at a friend's house. As he came back an old friend met him who had died some ten years before.
"How do you do?"
"How do you do? " said the walker, and he forgot that his friend had long ago taken the long road.
"Come along with me: let us have a cup together once more."
What this Textopian page supports
A Tale of the Dead II is listed on Textopian as a short story by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev, dated 1822 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev
- Date: 1822 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Folklore, Horror, Literary Fiction, Mystery
- Length: 262 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Fantasy — The story involves supernatural elements, such as a conversation with a deceased friend and a magical horse.
- Folklore — The narrative reflects traditional storytelling techniques and themes common in folklore, particularly in Slavic culture.
- Horror — The presence of death and the eerie atmosphere created by the graveyard setting contribute to a sense of horror.
- Literary Fiction — The story explores deeper themes of life, death, and the human experience, characteristic of literary fiction.
Tags
Folklore · Russian Literature · Short Story Collection · Anthology · Mythology · Fairy Tales · Supernatural Fiction · Dark Fantasy · Gothic Horror · Mystery · Suspense · Psychological Thriller