The Giant and the Devel

In ancient times a Giant was once traveling on a long highway toward water, when suddenly a creature the size of a man sprang up before him and said, “I am the Devil.” - “What!” Cried the Giant, “a creature whom I can crush between my fingers, wants to block my way? What art thou that darest to speak so boldly?”

“Dost thou know,” said the Devil, “Who I am?” - “I do not know thee, but that thou mayst see thou ist the Devil, I promise thee that I will not fall on thee unexpectedly.” The Devil gave the Giant a small whip and said, “you are my property, now halt.”

The Giant winced in pain, and said, “Wilt thou break thy word? Didst thou not promise me that thou wouldst send a messenger to me before thyself? I have seen none!” - “Silence!” Answered the Devil. “Have I not sent one after another? Did not your riches lead you to a desert? Hast not your height led you here? Did not a young saint drive you out of your big house? And besides all that, have you not been reminded of me every night for the past seven years of a battle you once won?” The Giant could make no answer and yielded; for he knew the dragon he conquered was no other than the Devil. “I will take you with me to hell. There you shall have a meal. If you can guess what kind of meat you have to eat, you shall be free and released from your bargain, and may keep going as well.”

The crossed into the entrance to Hell. It was black and sooty within, and the Devil was at home. “Thou shall now eat and answer three questions, else thou cannot leave.” - “That is a good deal to ask for,” said the Giant.

Then the Giant said, as he ate “The meat of a dragon, from our battle, that is no doubt the roast I eat.” The Devil was angry, and began to mutter, “Hm! Hm! Hm!” And then asked, “But what will your spoon be?” - “The rib of the dragon, is to be our spoon.” The Devil made a wry face, again growled, “Hm! Hm! Hm!” And said finally, “And do you also know what your wine-glass is to be?” - “His silver is to be our wineglass.” Then the Devil flew away away with a loud cry, and had no more power over him, and the continued traveling onwards, and lived happily until their end.