Reading notes extra credit: Georgian folk tales, unit A

This story was so clever — I loved the main character and his quick wit. While I liked the ending, I kind of wondered where the man went when the story ended. There was some exposition at the beginning that gave background on the man, but there was no follow-up — might he return to his family? Might he make something of himself in another trade or city? I think more details could be helpful with this tale? 

I really enjoyed these Georgian stories — so many have really clever plot points, and a few shocked me with their endings. These were a few of my favorites:

The Rioni River in Georgia.
Courtesy of Tamuna Kakauridze. 
Source: Wikipedia. 

Master and Pupil

I enjoyed this story, but it didn't make too much sense at some points. The devil offered to train the peasant's son, but he didn't specify which craft he would train him in. The peasant should have some motivation for giving his son up to the devil for a year (like if the devil were to train him in a lucrative trade). Also, was the boy able to shift shapes before his apprenticeship with the devil, or was that something the devil taught him? I think this story could use a little more explanation.

The Serpent and the Peasant

I really enjoyed this story, especially since snakes are usually the tricksters in stories, but this one was quite benevolent. One thing I didn't understand in this story was why the sheep hanging from the ceiling in the king's third dream was dead — shouldn't it be living if there is to be peace in the kingdom? I also thought this story could be told from the peasant's perspective so readers can watch as he begins to understand the circle the serpent draws at the end, and as he choses how to treat the snake. 

The Cunning Old Man and the Demi


Bibliography: Georgian Folk Tales, by Marjory Wardrop (1894).