In the Scandinavian portion of the _Fairy Mythology_, there is a legend of
a farmer cheating a Troll in an argument respecting the crops that were to
be grown on the hill within which the latter resided. It is there observed
that Rabelais tells the same story of a farmer and the Devil. I think there
can be no doubt that these are not independent fictions, but that the
legend is a transmitted one, the Scandinavian being the original, brought
with them perhaps by the Normans. {592} But what are we to say to the
actual fact of the same legend being found in the valleys of Afghanistan?
Masson, in his _Narrative_, &c. (iii. 297.), when speaking of the Tajiks of
Lughman, says,--
"They have the following amusing story: In times of yore, ere the
natives were acquainted with the arts of husbandry, the Shaitan, or
Devil, appeared amongst them, and, winning their confidence,
recommended them to sow their lands. They consented, it being farther
agreed that the Devil was to be a _sherik_, or partner, with them. The
lands were accordingly sown with turnips, carrots, beet, onions, and
such vegetables whose value consists in the roots. When the crops were
mature the Shaitan appeared, and generously asked the assembled
agriculturists if they would receive for their share what was above
ground or what was below. Admiring the vivid green hue of the tops,
they unanimously replied that they would accept what was above ground.
They were directed to remove their portion, when the Devil and his
attendants dug up the roots and carried them away. The next year he
again came and entered into partnership. The lands were now sown with
wheat and other grains, whose value lies in their seed-spikes. In due
time, as the crops had ripened, he convened the husbandmen, putting the
same question to them as he did the preceding year. Resolved not to be
deceived as before, they chose for their share what was below ground;
on which the Devil immediately set to work and collected the harvest,
leaving them to dig up the worthless roots. Having experienced that
they were not a match for the Devil, they grew weary of his friendship;
and it fortunately turned out that, on departing with his wheat, he
took the road from Lughman to Barikab, which is proverbially intricate,
and where he lost his road, and has never been heard of or seen since."
Surely here is simple coincidence, for there could scarcely ever have been
any communication between such distant regions in remote times, and the
legend has hardly been carried to Afghanistan by Europeans. There is, as
will be observed, a difference in the character of the legends. In the
Oriental one it is the Devil who outwits the peasants. This perhaps arises
from the higher character of the Shaitan (the ancient Akriman) than that of
the Troll or the mediaeval Devil.