Never-Wash
A soldier, after serving in three campaigns, finds himself retired and without prospects. While resting by a lake, he encounters a little devil who offers him a contract: for fifteen years, he must not shave, cut his hair, blow his nose, or change his clothes. In return, he will receive wealth and the hand of one of the king's three daughters. The soldier agrees, wishing for immediate riches and is transported to the capital with a pile of gold. Living in wealth, the soldier becomes known for his generosity, giving alms to the poor. As the fifteen years near completion, the king, facing a financial crisis, seeks the soldier's help. The soldier requests one of the king's daughters in marriage, and the king agrees, provided the soldier presents a portrait. The soldier's unkempt appearance horrifies the king's two eldest daughters, who refuse to marry him, while the youngest accepts her fate. The king, pleased, prepares for the wedding and sends carts for the soldier's wealth. The soldier uses the devil's assistance to fill the carts with gold. As the wedding approaches, the soldier claims his reward from the devil, asking to be transformed back into a youth. The devil complies, brewing him anew and restoring him to a handsome young man. The soldier marries the youngest princess, and they live happily. Meanwhile, the little devil faces repercussions from his elder for failing to corrupt the soldier. However, he argues that he has gained the souls of the two elder princesses, who preferred the devil over the soldier. The elder devil acknowledges the cleverness of the younger devil and releases him, satisfied with the outcome.
By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1832 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore · 1,493 words
First lines
Once upon a time there was a soldier who had served through three campaigns, but had never earned as much as an addled egg, and was then put on the retired list. Then, as he went on the road marching on and on, he became tired and sat down by a lake. And, as he rested, he began thinking things out: "Where shall I now betake myself, and how shall I feed myself, and how the devil shall I enter into any service?"
As soon as he had spoken these words a little devil rose up at once in front of him and said, "Hail, soldier, what do you wish? Did you just now not say that you wished to become one of our servants? Why, soldier, come up and be hired: we will pay you well."
What this Textopian page supports
Never-Wash is listed on Textopian as a short story by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev, dated 1832 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: 1832 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore, Adventure, Comedy
- Length: 1,493 words
- Structure: 1 section, 31 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Never-Wash by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Never-Wash?
- How does this short story by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fairy Tale first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Fairy Tale — The story features magical elements, a soldier's journey, and moral lessons typical of fairy tales.
- Fantasy — The presence of a devil, magical transformations, and supernatural events categorize it within the fantasy genre.
- Folklore — The narrative reflects traditional folklore themes and storytelling techniques common in cultural tales.
- Adventure — The soldier's journey and quest for wealth and love provide an adventurous plot.
Tags
Russian Literature · Folklore · Short Story Collection · Anthology · Classic · 19th Century · Slavic Mythology · Fairy Tales · Folkloric Fiction · Cultural Heritage · Social Commentary · Satire