The Blacksmith's Stool: the Story of a Man who F

Name: The Blacksmith's Stool: the Story of a Man who Found that Death was Necessary
Author: Parker Fillmore

A blacksmith, living in a time when Jesus and St. Peter walked the earth, offers hospitality to the two divine figures. Grateful for his kindness, Jesus grants him three wishes. The blacksmith wishes for longevity, prosperity, and the ability to trap anyone who sits on the stool he offers to Jesus. As time passes, the blacksmith remains youthful while everyone around him ages and dies. Eventually, Death arrives to claim him, but he tricks her into sitting on the stool, binding her to it. Initially, he revels in his newfound power, but soon discovers that with Death imprisoned, life cannot end. Animals cannot be killed, leading to an overpopulation of pests and a breakdown of the natural order. The blacksmith witnesses the chaos and suffering caused by his wish, realizing that Death plays a necessary role in the cycle of life. Understanding the consequences of his actions, he ultimately decides to release Death, accepting his fate.

By Parker Fillmore · First published 1930 · Genre: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Fairy Tale · 1,634 words

First lines

A long time ago when Lord Jesus and the blessed St. Peter walked about together on earth, it happened one evening that they stopped at a blacksmith's cottage and asked for a night's lodging.

"You are welcome," the blacksmith said. "I am a poor man but whatever I have I will gladly share with you."

What this Textopian page supports

The Blacksmith's Stool: the Story of a Man who Found that Death was Necessary is listed on Textopian as a short story by Parker Fillmore, dated 1930 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Parker Fillmore
Date: 1930 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Fairy Tale, Allegory, Moral Tale
Length: 1,634 words
Structure: 1 section, 55 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Blacksmith's Stool: the Story of a Man who Found that Death was Necessary by Parker Fillmore
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Blacksmith's Stool: the Story of a Man who Found that Death was Necessary?
How does this short story by Parker Fillmore fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The story involves supernatural elements such as the personification of Death and divine interactions with characters.
Philosophical Fiction — The narrative explores deep themes about life, death, and the consequences of one's wishes, prompting reflection on mortality.
Fairy Tale — The structure and moral lessons align with traditional fairy tales, featuring a protagonist who interacts with mythical figures.
Allegory — The story serves as an allegory for the necessity of death and the balance of life, illustrating broader truths through its characters.