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