The Witch and the Devil

The Witch and the Devil is a VERY simplistic fable that illustrates how evil and good are interchangeable terms. The story further demonstrates how the devil might be willing to do good (can do good) in the name of evil. That is, that no matter what evil a person does, they are committing it because it will do some good to themselves or those they love. Why shouldn't that include the devil?

This brings us to the question: Are good and evil relative? Can an argument be made that Good and Evil are simply mental concepts, mental constructions and have little value in an objective and external, non-mental reality? Are they subjective? If so, then everything outside of the mind is perfect at being what it is. If this is the case then it might be our interpretation of events based on a limited awareness of said events that determines good or evil. And of course, how much we suffer.

However this does not really have too much to do with the above story, published by Yesteryear a relatively new (October 2009) online journal. It showcases a new story every day.

The story itself was written in the year 2000, Odessa, Ukraine. One of only two stories written that year. The other is called the "Trumpet and the Oboe". However giving the witch a name was a recent addition.

The Shoe (The Relics of Things to Come)

The Shoe can be found at Everyday Weirdness . This story was taken from a Soviet joke, as were many of the stories written under the collective title The Relics of Things to Come. Though this story is technically a part of the collection entitled The Leftovers of Things to Come.

It's interesting that this story (The Shoe) should be published at the same time the findings of this Armenian shoe were made public. Found in a cave, it is reputed to be 5,500 years old. This would make it the oldest shoe in the world.

So it is indeed a miracle to find a shoe.

Three Fairy Tales

Three stories have been posted at Fiction Press. They are all reprints that had been at one place or another in the past. You can find them here: The Peacock and the Pig, The Way of the Cow, and The Pot of Stew.

As well, The Man who loved his Cow more than his Wife can be seen at Short Bread.

Here is a blurb for "The man who loved his cow...":

The tale of a man who loves his cow more than his wife, so much so that his only wish is to become like a cow so he can understand it. His wife naturally grows jealous and begins thinking evil thoughts like taking the cow to the butcher's. Can the farmer learn to love his wife again or is the cow to pay the ultimate price?