An old man seeks shelter from a peasant, who eagerly requests stories in exchange for hospitality. The old man agrees but prefers to rest first. After sleeping, he dreams of peculiar visions involving candles, animals, and strange occurrences within the peasant's household. Upon waking, he recounts his dream to the peasant, interpreting the symbols he saw. The candles represent angels, while the animals signify the relationships among the peasant's sons and their wives. A snake indicates a quarrel, a cat suggests discord, and a youth symbolizes harmony. The old man also describes unsettling sights, such as newts and frogs, which reflect the household's neglect and lack of proper rituals. The peasant confirms the old man's interpretations, revealing that the chaos in his home stems from his sons' and daughters-in-law's failures to maintain order and respect traditions. The old man’s dream serves as a metaphor for the state of the household, illustrating how neglect and discord can lead to a breakdown of familial bonds. The narrative concludes with a foreboding realization that the peasant's house may collapse upon his death, symbolizing the fragility of their family structure.
By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1876 · Genre: Fantasy, Folklore, Literary Fiction