In a certain kingdom, two peasants, Iván and Naúm, enter a partnership to seek work. After a week, they meet to discuss their earnings, leading to a dispute over the source of their wealth. Naúm believes that God's blessing is essential, while Iván argues that hard work is the key. They decide to settle their argument by consulting the first person they encounter, a devil in disguise, who supports Iván's view. Naúm, believing in divine providence, sacrifices his earnings to Iván. The following week, they argue again, and Naúm, despite losing his hand in a wager, remains hopeful. He lies by the river, contemplating his situation. At midnight, a group of devils gathers nearby, boasting about their mischief. They reveal that Naúm's hand could grow back if he performed a simple task, and they discuss how to thwart a peasant's watermill. Listening intently, Naúm learns how to restore his hand and heal a lord's daughter, gaining wealth and respect in the process. When Iván encounters Naúm, he is astonished by his newfound fortune and seeks to replicate his success. However, when Iván lies by the river, the devils discover him eavesdropping and tear him apart. The narrative explores themes of faith, the consequences of greed, and the contrast between reliance on divine blessing versus self-reliance. Naúm's journey illustrates the rewards of humility and faith, while Iván's fate serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of envy and deceit. Ultimately, the story emphasizes that true prosperity comes from a combination of hard work and divine favor, rather than mere ambition or trickery.
By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1833 · Genre: Fable, Folklore, Fantasy