A farmer is married to a contrary wife named Maya, who consistently opposes his wishes and opinions. Her behavior is predictable; if he suggests something, she insists on the opposite. This dynamic leads the farmer to cleverly manipulate situations to achieve his desires without directly confronting her. As Christmas approaches, the farmer wants to host a grand feast. Instead of directly stating his intentions, he feigns disinterest in traditional holiday fare, knowing Maya will react contrary to his suggestions. His strategy works, and she insists on having white bread, pies, wine, coffee, and guests, all of which he secretly desires. As time passes, Maya's contrariness intensifies. During haymaking season, they must cross a precarious footbridge. The farmer warns her to be careful, but she defiantly jumps on the plank, causing it to break. She falls into the river and is swept away. The farmer, distraught, calls for help, but the haymakers question his sanity, believing she should float downstream. The farmer insists that Maya's contrariness would make her float upstream. Despite searching upstream all afternoon, he finds no trace of her. Eventually, he returns home and enjoys a meal of all the foods he had longed for, now free from Maya's contrary influence. The story highlights the absurdity of contrariness and the lengths one might go to navigate a relationship marked by opposition.
By Parker Fillmore · First published 1934 · Genre: Fable, Humor, Folklore