May 28, 2024 • 49 mins
In this podcast we listen to the tales “Big Peter and Little Peter” from Norway and “The Merchant” from Denmark. We talk about how greedy people may acquire riches and become quite wealthy.
Then there are wealthy people who come to be rich through hard work and dealing fairly with others. We look at how these folktales differentiate between wealth gained through greed and wealth acquired honestly, and the responsibility they have in spending their riches.
But what about ourselves? — we may be talented and skilled, rich in compassion and understanding…shouldn’t we consider these part of “personal” wealth? Everyone is rich in many ways. What responsibility do we have in “spending” that wealth?
Links
Big Peter and Little Peter, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe, Store Per og Vesle Per, Norske Folkeeventyr (Christiania [Oslo], 1842-1852), translated by George Webb Dasent (1859)on Wikimedia.
The Merchant, Danish Fairy and Folk Tales, Jens Christian Bay, Svend Hersleb Grundtvig and others, translated by Jens Christian Bay, on Wikimedia
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welkommen til Nordisk pa Trykk.
[ music plays]
Welcome to our podcast, featuringinterviews, music, folktales, and lots
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of huga, all with a Nordic flavor.
I'm your host Eric Stavney.
Welcome
to this Nordic on Tap podcastabout greed and wealth.
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This is a little unusual subject.
We're going to tell some folktalesthat address these and speak to them,
and they're not your usual folktales.
You see, in folktales or even storiesyou hear about today, there are stories
about those who are poor and those whoare wealthy, and the poor usually are
(01:11):
the subject of folktales because whenthey succeed, it's glorious, right?
The young guy gets the princess.
The young gal gets the prince.
The, you know, whatever.
They get the pot of gold.
They trick the troll.
Whereas, those who are more well off thantheir neighbors somehow are suspicious,
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which is easily explained when you lookat those supposed laws of Janta, which
we talked about in a previous podcast.
These unspoken ways of Nordicsociety that says you shall not
stand out more than anybody else.
Everyone is equal or should be.
You should not havemore than anybody else.
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That's, that's not okay.
So, There are those who have a lot ofmoney that have gained it honestly.
What does that mean, right?
Well, let's say they didn'tdo it on the backs of others.
They, they paid, if they're involvedin, you know, paying wages to
employees, or their sub companiesdo, and they, they pay a decent wage.
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So they end up being fairly well off.
How about that in contrast with those whohave amassed their wealth by being greedy?
They get a little, and they win more.
They get a little, andthey want to win more.
We say that for greedy people,there's never a point where such
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folks believe they have enough.
There have been movements and campaigns inmy lifetime about those who hold most of
the wealth in society, the 99 percenters,and the rest of us who are in the 1%.
Is there something to be done about that?
I don't have the answer, nor doI have any sense that anything
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can or should be done about it.
Here's why.
In folk tales, wealthy peopleare not de facto bad people.
Neither are they in real life.
I know several who aredecent human beings.
So I'd like to tell a couple talesthat speak about greed, and about
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having wealth, and about all ofour responsibilities to society.
These tales are not so clear cut eitherwhen it comes to ethics and morals, and I
offer them to demonstrate that folktalessometimes are not about perfect people.
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As you'll see, these tales areunusual because the protagonists
are, are not the typical heroes.
You'll see what I mean.
I'm calling this episode, Wealth, Greed,and Responsibility in Nordic Folktales.
I have to warn you, there are somescenes that involve decapitation and
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sub aquiation and abuse of bovines,so be warned ahead and if you have
tender ears, you should know thosethings at least will be mentioned.
Greed or avarice is one of thecardinal sins, one of the seven
deadly sins, one of the capitalvices found in Christian teachings.
(04:33):
Uh, greed is among, pride, wrath,envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth.
All of these vices or cardinal sins areconsidered to be contrary to heavenly
virtues, and they supposedly lead to more.
In folktales, no surprise, greedypeople rarely come to a good end.
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In fact, in a lot of stories,those who are greedy and pass away
are doomed to walk again, to walkthe earth, until who knows where.
They just wander around as ghosts.
They have no peace.
Let me start with a folktalefrom Peter Asbjørnsen and
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Jørgen Muir, the two folktalecollectors for Norske Folkeventyr.
This one is from around 1850 andit's translated by George Dessent.
I found it in the publicdomain at runeberg.
org.
Org, all one word, it's one ofthose volunteer efforts that creates
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electronic editions of things andthis one is Nordic focused and make
them available on the internet.
So check them out and they'd behappy to accept your donation to
keep their volunteer effort going.
This tale I'm about to talk about is alsohas been told by Hans Christian Andersen.
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He wrote a variation on itand astonishingly short.
His is usually many,many pages, his stories.
He called his Big Klaus and Little Klaus.
And the story I'm to read youhere today is Big Peter and Little
Peter, or Sture Per and Lille Per.
(06:22):
Once there were twobrothers, both named Peter.
The older one was called Big Peter,and the younger one was Little Peter.
And when their father died, BigPeter took over the farm and
found himself a wealthy wife.
Little Peter, however, stayed athome with his mother and lived from
her pension until he came of age.
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Then he received his inheritance, and BigPeter said that he could stay in the old
house no longer, living from his mother.
It would be better for him to go out intothe world and do something for himself.
Little Peter agreed, so he boughthimself a fine horse and a load of
butter and cheese and set off to town.
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With the money he got for his goods,he bought brandy and other drinks,
and as soon as he arrived home, hethrew a great feast, inviting all
of his relatives and acquaintances.
They, in turn, invited himfor drinking and merrymaking.
And thus he lived in fun and frolicfor as long as his money lasted.
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But when his last farthing wasspent, and little Peter found himself
sitting high and dry, he went backhome again to his old mother, and
there he had nothing but a calf.
When spring came, he turned out the calfand let it graze on Big Peter's meadow.
But this made Big Peter angry, andhe struck the calf, killing it.
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Little Peter skinned the calf.
What?
And hung the hide up in the bathroomuntil it was thoroughly dry.
Then he rolled it up, stuffedit into a sack, and went about
the area trying to sell it.
But wherever he went, people onlylaughed at him, saying that they
had no need of smoked calf skin.
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After walking a long way, he came to afarm where he asked for a night's lodging.
No, said the old woman of the house.
I can't give you lodging, for myhusband is at the hut in the upper
pasture, and I'm alone in the house.
You will have to ask for shelter atthe next farm, but if they won't take
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you in, you may come back because youcan't spend the night out of doors.
As Peter passed by the living roomwindow, he saw that there was a priest
in there whom the woman was entertaining.
She was serving him ale and brandyand a large bowl of custard.
But just as the priest had sat down toeat and drink, the husband came back home.
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The woman heard him in the hallway.
And she was not slow.
She put the bowl of custard underthe fireplace mantle, the ale and
brandy into the cellar, and as forthe priest, she locked him inside
a large chest that was there.
Little Peter was standing outsidethe whole time and saw everything.
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As soon as the husband had entered,Little Peter went to the door.
and asked if he mighthave a night's lodging.
Yes, said the man.
You can stay here.
And he asked Little Peter tosit down at the table and eat.
Little Peter sat down, takinghis calf skin with him,
which he laid under his feet.
When they had sat a while, LittlePeter began to step on the skin.
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What are you saying now?
Can't you be quiet?
Said Little Peter.
Who are you talking to?
asked the man.
Oh, answered Little Peter, it'sonly the fortune teller that
I have here in my calf skin.
And what does she foretell?
asked the man.
Why, she says that there's a bowlof custard under the fireplace
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mantle, said Little Peter.
Ha!
Her prediction is wrong!
answered the man.
We haven't had custard in thishouse for a year and a day.
But Peter asked him to take a look.
He did so and found the custard.
So they proceeded to enjoy it, butjust as they were eating, Peter
stepped on the calf skin again.
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Hush!
Can't you hold your mouth?
What is the fortune teller saying now?
Oh, she says there is probablysome ale and brandy just under
the cellar door, answered Peter.
Well, if she never predicted wrongin her life, she's predicting
wrong now, said the man.
Ale and brandy?
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We've never had such things in this house.
Just take a look, said Peter.
The man did so, and there, sureenough, he found the drinks,
and was very pleased, indeed.
How much did you payfor that fortune teller?
said the man.
For I must have her,whatever you ask for her.
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Well, I inherited her from myfather, and never thought that she
was worth much, answered Peter.
Of course, I'm not eager to part withher, but you may have her nonetheless,
if you give me that fortune.
Old chest in the living room.
That chest is locked and the keyis lost, cried the old woman.
Then I'll take it without thekey, said Peter, and he and the
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man quickly struck a bargain.
Peter got a rope instead of the key.
The man helped him load the chest ontohis back, and off he stumbled with it.
After he had walked awhile, he came to a bridge.
Beneath the bridge ran a ragingstream, foaming, gurgling, and
roaring until the bridge shook.
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That brandy!
That brandy, said Peter.
Now I can tell that I've had too much.
Why should I be dragging this chestabout if I hadn't been drunk and crazy?
I would not have tradedmy fortune teller for it.
Ah, but now this chest is goinginto the river and quickly and with
that he began to untie the rope.
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Oh, oh, for God's sake, save me.
It's the priest that you have in thechest, screamed someone from inside.
That must be the devilhimself, said Peter.
And he wants to make me believethat he has become a priest.
But whether he claims to be a priestor a sexton, into the river he goes.
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Oh no, oh no, I'm intruth the parish priest.
I was visiting the woman for her soul'shealth, but her husband's rough and
wild, so she had to hide me in the chest.
I have a silver watch.
And a gold watch with me.
You can have them both.
And eight hundred dollars besides ifyou'll only let me out, cried the priest.
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Oh no, said Peter, is it reallyyour reverence after all?
With that he picked up a stone, heknocked the lid of the chest into pieces.
The priest got out and ran home tohis parsonage quickly and lightly,
for he no longer had his watchesand his money to weigh him down.
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Then little Peter went home and saidto the big Peter, today at the market
there was a good price for calf skins.
What did you get for yourshabby one, said Big Peter.
Shabby as it was, I got eight hundreddollars for it, but those from larger and
fatter calves were bringing twice as much,said Little Peter, and showed his money.
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Well, it's good you told methis, answered Big Peter.
And he went and slaughtered all hiscows and his calves, and set off
to town with their skins and hides.
When he arrived at the market and thetanners asked what he wanted for his
hides, Big Peter said, 800 for thesmall ones and more for the big ones.
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But they all laughed at him and madefun of him and said, He should not
have come there, that he would geta better bargain at the madhouse.
Thus he soon found out thatLittle Peter had tricked him.
When he got home again,he was not very gentle.
He swore and he cursed and hethreatened to strike Little
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Peter dead that very night.
Little Peter stood andlistened to all this.
After he had gone to bed with hismother, and the night had worn on a
little, he asked her to change sideswith him, saying that he was cold, and
it would be warmer next to the wall.
Yes, she did that, and a little later,Big Peter came in with an axe in his
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hand, crept up to the bedside, and withone blow, chopped off his mother's head.
I told you there was a decapitation here.
The next morning, Little Peterwent into Big Peter's room.
Heaven help you, he said.
You have chopped our mother's head off.
The sheriff will not be pleasedto hear that you're paying
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mother's pension in this way.
Then Big Peter became terribly frightened,and he begged Little Peter for God's
sake to say nothing about what he knew.
If he would only keepstill, he should have 800.
Well, little Peter swept up the money, sethis mother's head on her body again, put
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her on a sled, and pulled her to market.
There he set her up with an apple basketon each arm, and an apple in each hand.
By and by, a skipper, the captainof a boat, came walking along.
He thought she was a market woman andasked if she had apples to sell and
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how many she might have for a penny.
But the old woman did not answer.
So the skipper asked again.
No, she said nothing.
How many may I have for a penny?
He cried a third time, but theold woman sat there as though
she neither saw or heard them.
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How many may I have for a penny?
He cried the third time, but theold woman sat there as though she
neither saw him nor heard him.
Then the skipper flew into a rageand slapped her, causing her head
to roll across the marketplace.
At that moment, Little Peter camerunning, weeping and wailing and
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threatening to make trouble for theSkipper for having killed his old mother.
Dear friend, keep still aboutwhat you know, said the Skipper.
And I'll give you 800.
And thus, they made a deal.
When Little Peter got home again, he saidto Big Peter, Old women were bringing a
pretty good price at the market today.
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I got 800 for our mother,and he showed him the money.
It's good that I came toknow this, said Big Peter.
He had an old mother in law, and he killedher, and then set forth to sell her.
But when people heard that he wastrying to sell dead bodies They wanted
to hand him over to the sheriff, andit was all they could do to escape.
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When Big Peter arrived home, hewas so angry with Little Peter,
he threatened to strike him deadthere and then without mercy.
Yes, indeed, said Little Peter.
We must all go this waybetween today and tomorrow.
There's only the night.
But if I must set off now,I've only one thing to ask.
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Put me into that sack that's hangingover there and carry me to the river.
Big Peter had nothing against that.
He stuffed him into the sack andset off, but he hadn't gone very
far before it came into his mindthat he had forgotten something
which he had to go back and fetch.
Meanwhile, he set the sackdown by the side of the road.
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Just then came a man drivinga big flock of sheep.
To the kingdom of heaven, to paradise,to the kingdom of heaven, to paradise,
cried out little Peter, from insidethe sack, and he kept mumbling and
muttering the same words over and over.
May I not go with you?
Asked the man with the sheep.
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Of course you may, said little Peter.
Just untie the sack, trade places withme, and you'll get there soon enough.
I can wait until next time.
But, you must keep on callingout what I was saying, or you'll
not go to the right place.
Then the man untied the sacktook little Peter's place.
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Peter tied the sack up and the man beganto cry out, To the kingdom of heaven, to
paradise, To the kingdom of heaven, toparadise, Kingdom of heaven, paradise, And
repeated the saying over and over again.
Paradise, After Peter got inposition in the sack, he wasn't slow.
Off he went with the flock of sheep.
Making a broad turn away from the track.
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Meantime, Big Peter returned, took thesack on his shoulders, carried it to
the river, and all the while he went,the shepherd sat inside, crying, To
the kingdom of heaven, to paradise!
To the kingdom of heaven, to paradise!
Yes, indeed.
Now try to find the way foryourself, said Big Peter.
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And with that, he tossedhim out into the stream.
When Big Peter had done that and was goingback home, he met his brother, who was
driving the flock of sheep before him.
Big Peter could hardly believe hiseyes and asked how little Peter had
gotten out of the river and wherehe'd found that fine flock of sheep.
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Oh, that was an act of brotherly lovethat you did for me when you threw me
into the river, answered Little Peter.
I sank right down to the bottom like astone, and there I saw flocks of sheep.
Believe me, down there theygo about by the thousands.
Each flock is finer than the others, andjust see what splendid wool they have.
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Ah, it's good of you to tell me that.
said Big Peter, and he ran home tohis wife, made her come with him
to the river, crept into a sack,and asked her to quickly tie it
up and throw him over the bridge.
I'm going after a flock of sheep, he said.
If I stay too long, it's because I can'tmanage the flock by myself, and then
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you'll have to jump in and help me.
Well, don't stay too long, said his wife.
For I am looking forward to those sheep.
She stood there and waited a while.
And waited a while.
But then she thought that herhusband couldn't gather the flock
together, so she jumped in after him.
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Now little Peter was rid of themall, and he inherited their farm and
fields, and horses and tools too.
And besides, he had enoughmoney to buy cattle as well.
Okay, Big Peter sure got hisjust desserts for being greedy.
Nothing was good enough for him.
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He kept wanting more.
But he got what he's deserved.
He got his comeuppance in the end forbeing greedy and Really fairly stupid too.
Now this sub story of a married womanfeeding the expensive food to the parish
priest while depriving her own husbandwhile he's out of the house is actually
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in a lot of other Norwegian tales.
I figure this is some way toshow unfaithfulness without
going anywhere near infidelity.
Whatever motivated her.
It doesn't matter to the storytellerhere, it's how little Peter takes
advantage of the situation with thechest, which is rather amusing, for the
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priest ought not to be enjoying the foodthe man of the house should be enjoying.
I suspect that's where we'resupposed to leave this story,
without analyzing it further.
But were any of you uncomfortablewith Little Peter trading places with
his mother, when clearly he expectedsomething violent from Big Peter?
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Little Peter set people up, like theskipper and big Peter himself, to be
falsely blamed for killing the motherand then extorting money from them.
And how about that innocent man drivingsheep who was coaxed into the bag?
Well, that's at least deception, andat worst, he set him up to be killed.
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What do you make of all this?
I can imagine us talking to littlePeter and saying, Hey, Hey, all those
people, people got killed in this story.
You're not exactly themodel of honesty yourself.
And he might say, I didn't kill anybody.
And that is technically true, right?
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He didn't himself throwanybody into the stream.
He didn't chop anybody's head off.
He didn't whack the cow.
So maybe we should come to the conclusionthat people, at least in this folktale,
are not ethically black or white, goodor bad, instead kind of gray or worse.
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You're listening to the Nordic on Tapepisode where we talk about wealth and
greed and responsibility and how thoseare spoken about in Nordic folktales.
I'm Eric Stafny.
I wanted to take a minute to thankfolks who have helped me out with
(23:56):
the buy me a coffee campaign.
I got a nice coffee from a galwho said really enjoyed the Fjord
horse and goat folktale episodes.
I guess that's three billy goats gruff.
And another Matt W.
from Carnation.
Thank you very much for your contribution.
(24:16):
Folks, listen to Nordic onTap in a variety of places.
Doing the laundry, driving a car,gardening, hanging out, doing chores.
I'm just happy you're listening to this.
All right, so back to it.
What about simply being wealthy?
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Suppose you become wealthy byinheritance or you earn money
honestly, and in fact this isaddressed in the upcoming folktale.
What does it mean that you earnedmoney yourself and it's your money?
What responsibility do wealthypeople have to society?
Author Michael Booth, inhis book, The Almost Nearly
(25:00):
Perfect People, Which I love.
Nordic sociology at its best saidDanish tycoons and captains of
industry are rarely role models here.
Booth is talking from living in Denmark.
The late shipping and oil magnateand probably the wealthiest non
royal Dane of all time, MaerskMcKinney Møller, was respected but
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neither loved nor a role model.
Møller wisely chose not to displayhis wealth too gratuitously.
According to the Maersk CorporateCommunications Department, he also
abided by a strict work ethic, attendingmeetings well into his nine days,
bringing a packed lunch with him towork, and climbing several flights
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of stairs to his office every day.
Surprised he didn't wear a hair shirt.
Together with many generous donations topublic works, he paid for Copenhagen's
Opera House, among other projects,and this seemed to help him avoid
much of a Janta backlash, a Jantalaw backlash, where he has more than
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anybody else, and that's not good.
He's actually distributingsome of his wealth.
So, what's an honest wealthyperson to do besides giving things
away and buying opera houses?
This next folktale addresses that and italso looks at what our responsibilities,
I mean you and me, are for whatever wehave, whether we are wealthy or not.
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where there were talented in somethings and not so much in others.
This folktale comes from Denmarkand was collected in the Svend
Grundtvig collection, translatedby Jans Christian Bay from 1899.
I found it online in thepublic domain at wikisource.
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org under Danish fairy and folktales.
Wikisource, by the way, is aproject of the Wikimedia Foundation
to create a growing free contentonline library, just like runeberg.
org, and also translations of those books.
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So this folktale is called The Merchant.
Once upon a time therewas a wealthy merchant.
He lived in a beautiful spaciousstone building in a large square
directly opposite a cathedral.
The front was adorned withmonuments of great value.
A high staircase, which led fromthe street to the entrance, was
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furnished with a magnificent ironrailing of excellent workmanship,
with gilded balls and ornaments.
The owner of this exquisitemansion was immensely rich.
He imported in his own ships fromother countries far away choice fruit
and wine, ivory, and fragrant spices.
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The floor in his large hall consistedof gold coins placed on edge, and
when he invited his friends to passan evening at his home, all the food
was served on gold plates, Everycup and plate, every knife and fork
in his house was made of pure gold.
There seemed to be no end to his wealth.
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At length the merchant died, leavinghis whole property to his only son, the
handsomest young man in the whole town.
of excellent character, andalways contented and glad.
He had a smile and a pleasant wordfor everyone, so in his short life,
he had found more friends thanthe old merchant had ever had,
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in spite of his seventy years.
When the young man succeeded hisfather as master of the magnificent
house, a great many of his friendstook up their abode with him.
They ate at his table, drank ofhis wine, and stayed with him
days and nights, praising hisgreat kindness and generosity,
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his open hand, and his open heart.
Whenever they were in need of money, andmentioned it to him, he pointed to an
old chest in the corner, saying, Takewhat you need and return it when you can.
Well, at length his friends madethemselves so much at home that
they found their way into thechest without asking permission.
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So in a little while, the oldbookkeeper, who had served the house
for nearly 40 years, told his youngmaster that all the money was gone.
Well, the chest must be filled upagain, said the young man carelessly.
There is the floor in the Great Hall.
Break it up.
Fill the chest.
We can have a marblefloor laid in its place.
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His orders were obeyed and thereseemed to be money enough to fill
the chest for all time to come.
Everyone thought that themarble floor looked much more
handsome than the golden one.
Besides, it was not as expensive, and thefriends did not know how to praise enough
the wisdom and foresight of their friend.
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A great many poor persons who heardof his generosity came and asked
to be helped from time to time.
And their wishes were all at once granted.
Now the young merchant was to bemarried to a very beautiful young
lady, the daughter of a wise counselor.
When the time came for their wedding, thegroom wished to give his bride a golden
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carriage and six milk white horses.
But the old bookkeeper shook hishead and said that they could
already see the bottom of the chest.
And there were no more floors fromwhich it could again be filled.
On hearing this, the young man calledhis friends together and said to
them that he was in need of money.
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He was obliged to ask them to help him.
Now the time had come when he neededsome of the money which they had
borrowed from him at different times.
None of them was willingto comply, however.
Hadn't he loaned them money?
Hadn't he also told them that they mightpay him whenever they could spare it?
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Now, he had lived like a fool.
He had been very reckless.
He never cut his coataccording to his cloth.
And when he gives money to the poor,it's the same as robbing one's friends.
They said their friendship was at an end.
They would be ashamed even tobe seen with him in the streets.
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Thereafter.
Amazing.
Huh?
Disappointed and angry with thesemen for whom he had done so much.
The young merchant went to the home of hisbetrothed thinking that she might at least
be able to give him some consolation.
His friends had already been there.
However, and talked to the girl'sparents in such a manner that the young
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man was not even allowed to see her.
She was locked up in a room where she satmoping and nearly crying her eyes out.
It went no better with theyoung man at other places.
All those to whom he turnedfor help shook their heads or
abused him like a pickpocket.
But no one raised a finger to help him.
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At length he returned home,utterly depressed and despondent.
But the old bookkeeper toldhim to pick up courage.
Some of their customers abroadowed them large sums of money.
I have saved a little fromtime to time, said he.
This will enable me to keep up thebusiness until we can be helped.
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Here's a list of those whom wemay expect to pay their debts.
I advise you to go and see them.
There is money enoughhere to pay your fare.
The merchant embraced the trueold man and thanked him for his
great faithfulness and devotion.
Having received much good advice from hisold friend, he set out on his journey.
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It seemed, however, that misfortune haddetermined to follow him, for all who
could pay their debts refused to do so.
While the rest were willingenough, But had no money at length.
The young man had nothingto do but return home.
One day towards evening,he reached an inn.
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A storm had overtaken him, and an icy colddrizzle made him shiver from head to foot.
He had been obliged to sell his horseand discharged his servant, and a few
pennies were all that he had left in hispurse, although home was still far away.
Tired and famished, he knockedat the door, and his voice was
(34:05):
neither chillful nor courageouswhen he asked for food and shelter.
The stout host with his shining facelooked at the young traveler's well
worn dress and his faded hat, whereuponhe said gruffly and unkindly, All
the rooms are occupied, and all thatwe can give you is a place at the
supper table, if you can pay for it.
(34:28):
Beggars and landloperswe have no use for here.
The young merchant asked if he couldnot be allowed to sleep in the hayloft.
It was a stormy evening,and he was tired out.
No, replied his host.
People who have nomoney are not my people.
I don't care what becomes of them.
(34:51):
Hey, why can't you, said one of theguests, who was sitting in a corner
with several others before a steamingbowl of punch, let this young man
sleep in the old ruin across the way.
In the ruin, repeated thehost, grinning slyly, why not?
That will be a splendid place to rest,continued he, turning to the young man.
(35:16):
If you're not afraid of ghosts,the merchant's pride awoke.
I am afraid of no person living ordead, said he, looking straight at
the landlord's cunning features.
Come along then, exclaimed theman, and I will show you the place.
He led the way out of the inn and upan avenue of old chestnut trees into
(35:39):
a dejected ruin, where time had leftonly a few rooms free from destruction.
Into one of these they went.
It was a large, gloomy room, witha few pieces of furniture, an old
bed, with stiff faded curtains,a solid oak table, two easy
(35:59):
chairs, and an old ironclad chest.
Soon a fire was madein the half cured wood.
crumbled fireplace, whereupon thelandlord bid the young man good night,
promising to send him some supper.
And in a little while, two servant girlsappeared with lighted candles, which
were placed on the table, and a basketfrom which they produced a piece of
(36:21):
ham, bread and butter, and a chicken.
Upon this, the girls returned tothe inn, while the young man hung up
his wet mantle near the fireplace,and sat down to satisfy his hunger.
As soon as he had eaten, he went to bed.
and slept soundly.
In a few hours, he awoke.
(36:44):
Everything was quiet.
The fire burned slowly and no soundwas heard, glancing towards the window
to see if it was night or morning.
The merchant caught sight ofa tall, stout figure of a man
standing in front of the table.
He wore a black suit, pointed shoes,and over his shoulder was hanging
(37:06):
a red mantle held together in frontby an old fashioned silver buckle.
The young man felt his blood run cold,and his hair began to stand on end.
But in the next minute, he waspossessed by some of his old courage,
which had been strengthened bythe warm room and the good supper.
(37:27):
He sat up in bed, glanced at the sternfeatures of his unknown visitor, until the
latter approached one of the old fashionedhigh backed easy chairs, and pointed
to its seat with an imperious gesture.
As the occupant of the bed madeno effort to move, the ghost
again pointed to the chair, whilehis features became threatening.
(37:52):
The merchant, who had now entirelygoverned his fears, threw the pillows
aside, jumped up into the room where hewalked to the chair, and seated himself.
The ghost immediately opened his mantleand produced the glass filled with
white foam, which he placed on thetable, laying a shiny razor beside it.
(38:16):
Young man in the chair now began toshiver all over his body and thought
that his last moments had come.
He closed his eyes andremained sitting immovable.
When suddenly he felt somethingmoist and cold on his face and head,
and he now realized that the ghostwas not intending to kill him, but
(38:37):
only to shave his head and chin.
So it was.
In a little while his head was aseven and shining as an ivory ball.
The man laid down his razor on the table.
looked imploringly at the merchant, passedhis fingers across his own head and chin.
Our friend thought this quite amusing.
(38:59):
No doubt the ghost wished to beshaved also, and a few minutes
later the operation was performed.
And then the ghost opened hismouth for the first time and
said, Thanks, my young friend.
You have saved me, and nowI can sleep peacefully.
To say the truth, replied themerchant, I have the same desire.
(39:20):
You awoke me at an untimely hour, butwhy could you not rest peacefully before?
I lived a foolish, heedlesslife, replied the ghost.
I had enough of gold and silver, allthat I wished for, and even more.
But I squandered my wealth on thosewhom I called my friends, and they
(39:44):
helped me faithfully to spend it,until one day I suddenly died.
When I arrived at the gate of heaven, St.
Peter told me that I was doomed to walkabout at night until I found someone who
would permit me to shave him, and whowould do me the same service in return.
(40:05):
Ah, when you're wealthy, observedthe young man, you can always
count on a great number of friends.
I had many, until I lost my wealth.
Yes, replied the ghost.
I know them all.
You know them?
Cried the merchant, startledby this intelligence.
Yes, but ask no questions.
(40:26):
Put on your clothes and follow me.
The young man complied, whereupon theghost seized one of the candlesticks
and conducted him into the cellar, wherethey stopped before an old iron chest.
Is yours.
This, said the owner ofthe red mantle, is yours.
(40:49):
Until I was dead I did not know thatit existed, but if I had found it
before, no doubt its contents would havevanished with the rest of my wealth.
This chest is filled with gold coin.
When you leave this dismal ruin,which was once a beautiful mansion,
take it away with you and usethe money with care and caution.
(41:12):
When they returned to the roomabove, the merchant said, I do
not understand why you were doomedto such work as shaving people.
Do you not understand, replied the ghost,that I had been shaved by all my friends
and that I was now obliged to do the same?
That was my penalty for livinga life without aim and goal.
(41:36):
But now I am free.
The young man mused for a moment, and thenhe said, Was the money not all your own?
Did you not have a rightto use it as you pleased?
The ghost answeredgravely, No, it was not.
I held it in trust, asevery wealthy man does.
(41:59):
The day will come when we shall accountfor all that we have said and done, and
for the manner in which we spent themoney, which God entrusted to our care.
The word fell heavily uponthe mind of the young man.
He plunged into a deep reveriefrom which he did not awake until
the daylight had found its waythrough the green, narrow windows.
(42:24):
Lifting his head, he noticed thatthe landlord stood in the open door,
gazing at him with a wicked expressionof joy in his small, set eyes.
I see that the man with the redmantle has paid you a visit, said he,
blinking maliciously at his guest.
Yes, replied the merchant, andhe proved to be an excellent man.
(42:49):
We talked a great deal of peopleof whom we both know, and of you.
Two.
Of me, cried the landlord.
Oh yes, the ghost promised to visit you ina few days and shave your head and chin.
He said that he had kept his eyeon you for a great length of time.
Gracious, shouted he,how can I escape him?
(43:12):
I would die of fear if ever Iwoke and found him in my room.
I shall tell him tonight.
Answered the young man, that you wouldprefer not to be shaved, as I was, but in
return, you must keep me here for a month,and when I am ready to return home, I
wish to borrow your horses and carriage.
(43:34):
The landlord promised this, andimplored him to do all he could in
his power to prevent his being shavedby the terrible ghost, of which he
had heard so many fearful tales.
In the course of the next four weeks,the young merchant's hair had again
grown to its usual length, so he leftthe ruin in the landlord's carriage and
(43:56):
returned home with a chest, which wasfound to contain an immense sum of money.
The old bookkeeper initiated him intothe duties of the business, which grew
rapidly and brought him back his oldwealth in the course of a short time.
As soon it was known, That themerchant had returned home with
(44:19):
immense riches, his friends againpresented themselves at his door.
The young man hired, however, acouple of stout stonecutters, and as
soon as the friends appeared, theywere thrown out into the street more
rapidly than they could realize andnever dared to call a second time.
(44:41):
But the young man hastened to thehouse of his sweetheart and told
her parents all that had happened.
And The girl had remained faithfulto him and there was now no
objection to their marriage.
There was no golden carriage.
But they were contented with less.
(45:02):
This is the story of the merchant wholearned to be faithful to his trust.
What do you think of this?
What was that business aboutgetting and giving a shave?
In a number of cultures, shavingfacial hair is a kind of.
Cleansing.
(45:22):
Men of prominence could afford tohave, or were honored enough to
have, subservient people shave them.
Shaving a man is allegorical.
It emphasizes the serving of othersrather than gaining power or control.
And this philosophy is based on theidea that the most effective leaders
(45:44):
strive to serve customers, partners,and the community as a servant.
A behavior that says theshaver is willing to be humble.
So shaving is a ritual, likened to beinggiven a bath or being cleansed by another.
This is all the rage, by the way,it has been for a couple decades
(46:06):
in corporate leadership circles, aconcept called servant leadership.
Sounds like a moxie moron, but the ideais to live life with aim and a goal, focus
on seeking things, serving other people,and holding what you're given in trust.
(46:29):
The concept in this story alsoreminds me a bit of that Bible
passage from the book of Luke.
To whom much is given, muchwill be required or expected.
President John F.
Kennedy also quoted this verse in aspeech at Vanderbilt University in 1963.
He said, History will judge usas a country as to whether we
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are people of courage, judgment,integrity, and of dedication.
And then he said, to whom much is given,much will be required or expected.
Do we hold talents and skillsin trust along with money to be
used wisely with and for others?
What do you think of that?
(47:16):
I'm reminded of my professor, Dr.
Lisa Gee, what she said when ourgroup of four got into a blaming match
with each other for not contributingequally to the group project.
She said, hold it.
And she looked around and itwas hard to meet her eyes.
(47:36):
We knew something was coming.
And she said, we are hereto lift each other higher.
I can't claim to live by that.
But I certainly aspire to do that.
Thank you for listening to NordicFolk Tales and their take on
wealth, greed, and responsibility.
(47:58):
Our intro music is written and performedby Alfred Morton Hoyrup and Ruthie
Dornfeld, both of whom have websites.
Alfred Morton also has a book ofsheet music worth considering.
Our outgoing music is composedand performed by Daryl Jackson
of Daryl Jackson Music.
That's all one word, D A R R Y LJ A C K S O N, music, M U S I C.
(48:27):
If you're looking for other thingsto listen to, Besides this podcast,
you might give Living a NordicLife a try by Fiona McKenna.
That's a pretty engagingpodcast that may appeal to you
if you have a Nordic interest.
The Norwegian American newspaper,if you're interested in events
(48:50):
related to Norway and the UnitedStates and other parts of the
world, might be worth your time.
The Norwegian American is.
In print and in digital form,and all you have to do is type
in Norwegian american.com.
So we'll see you next time.
(49:10):
Yes, V on Nordic on tap.
I'm Eric Stane.
Ha.
Welkommen til Nordisk pa Trykk.
[ music plays]
Welcome to our podcast, featuringinterviews, music, folktales, and lots
(00:24):
of huga, all with a Nordic flavor.
I'm your host Eric Stavney.
Welcome
to this Nordic on Tap podcastabout greed and wealth.
(00:47):
This is a little unusual subject.
We're going to tell some folktalesthat address these and speak to them,
and they're not your usual folktales.
You see, in folktales or even storiesyou hear about today, there are stories
about those who are poor and those whoare wealthy, and the poor usually are
(01:11):
the subject of folktales because whenthey succeed, it's glorious, right?
The young guy gets the princess.
The young gal gets the prince.
The, you know, whatever.
They get the pot of gold.
They trick the troll.
Whereas, those who are more well off thantheir neighbors somehow are suspicious,
(01:38):
which is easily explained when you lookat those supposed laws of Janta, which
we talked about in a previous podcast.
These unspoken ways of Nordicsociety that says you shall not
stand out more than anybody else.
Everyone is equal or should be.
You should not havemore than anybody else.
(01:58):
That's, that's not okay.
So, There are those who have a lot ofmoney that have gained it honestly.
What does that mean, right?
Well, let's say they didn'tdo it on the backs of others.
They, they paid, if they're involvedin, you know, paying wages to
employees, or their sub companiesdo, and they, they pay a decent wage.
(02:21):
So they end up being fairly well off.
How about that in contrast with those whohave amassed their wealth by being greedy?
They get a little, and they win more.
They get a little, andthey want to win more.
We say that for greedy people,there's never a point where such
(02:42):
folks believe they have enough.
There have been movements and campaigns inmy lifetime about those who hold most of
the wealth in society, the 99 percenters,and the rest of us who are in the 1%.
Is there something to be done about that?
I don't have the answer, nor doI have any sense that anything
(03:05):
can or should be done about it.
Here's why.
In folk tales, wealthy peopleare not de facto bad people.
Neither are they in real life.
I know several who aredecent human beings.
So I'd like to tell a couple talesthat speak about greed, and about
(03:25):
having wealth, and about all ofour responsibilities to society.
These tales are not so clear cut eitherwhen it comes to ethics and morals, and I
offer them to demonstrate that folktalessometimes are not about perfect people.
(03:45):
As you'll see, these tales areunusual because the protagonists
are, are not the typical heroes.
You'll see what I mean.
I'm calling this episode, Wealth, Greed,and Responsibility in Nordic Folktales.
I have to warn you, there are somescenes that involve decapitation and
(04:08):
sub aquiation and abuse of bovines,so be warned ahead and if you have
tender ears, you should know thosethings at least will be mentioned.
Greed or avarice is one of thecardinal sins, one of the seven
deadly sins, one of the capitalvices found in Christian teachings.
(04:33):
Uh, greed is among, pride, wrath,envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth.
All of these vices or cardinal sins areconsidered to be contrary to heavenly
virtues, and they supposedly lead to more.
In folktales, no surprise, greedypeople rarely come to a good end.
(04:58):
In fact, in a lot of stories,those who are greedy and pass away
are doomed to walk again, to walkthe earth, until who knows where.
They just wander around as ghosts.
They have no peace.
Let me start with a folktalefrom Peter Asbjørnsen and
(05:19):
Jørgen Muir, the two folktalecollectors for Norske Folkeventyr.
This one is from around 1850 andit's translated by George Dessent.
I found it in the publicdomain at runeberg.
org.
Org, all one word, it's one ofthose volunteer efforts that creates
(05:40):
electronic editions of things andthis one is Nordic focused and make
them available on the internet.
So check them out and they'd behappy to accept your donation to
keep their volunteer effort going.
This tale I'm about to talk about is alsohas been told by Hans Christian Andersen.
(06:01):
He wrote a variation on itand astonishingly short.
His is usually many,many pages, his stories.
He called his Big Klaus and Little Klaus.
And the story I'm to read youhere today is Big Peter and Little
Peter, or Sture Per and Lille Per.
(06:22):
Once there were twobrothers, both named Peter.
The older one was called Big Peter,and the younger one was Little Peter.
And when their father died, BigPeter took over the farm and
found himself a wealthy wife.
Little Peter, however, stayed athome with his mother and lived from
her pension until he came of age.
(06:43):
Then he received his inheritance, and BigPeter said that he could stay in the old
house no longer, living from his mother.
It would be better for him to go out intothe world and do something for himself.
Little Peter agreed, so he boughthimself a fine horse and a load of
butter and cheese and set off to town.
(07:05):
With the money he got for his goods,he bought brandy and other drinks,
and as soon as he arrived home, hethrew a great feast, inviting all
of his relatives and acquaintances.
They, in turn, invited himfor drinking and merrymaking.
And thus he lived in fun and frolicfor as long as his money lasted.
(07:25):
But when his last farthing wasspent, and little Peter found himself
sitting high and dry, he went backhome again to his old mother, and
there he had nothing but a calf.
When spring came, he turned out the calfand let it graze on Big Peter's meadow.
But this made Big Peter angry, andhe struck the calf, killing it.
(07:50):
Little Peter skinned the calf.
What?
And hung the hide up in the bathroomuntil it was thoroughly dry.
Then he rolled it up, stuffedit into a sack, and went about
the area trying to sell it.
But wherever he went, people onlylaughed at him, saying that they
had no need of smoked calf skin.
(08:11):
After walking a long way, he came to afarm where he asked for a night's lodging.
No, said the old woman of the house.
I can't give you lodging, for myhusband is at the hut in the upper
pasture, and I'm alone in the house.
You will have to ask for shelter atthe next farm, but if they won't take
(08:32):
you in, you may come back because youcan't spend the night out of doors.
As Peter passed by the living roomwindow, he saw that there was a priest
in there whom the woman was entertaining.
She was serving him ale and brandyand a large bowl of custard.
But just as the priest had sat down toeat and drink, the husband came back home.
(08:56):
The woman heard him in the hallway.
And she was not slow.
She put the bowl of custard underthe fireplace mantle, the ale and
brandy into the cellar, and as forthe priest, she locked him inside
a large chest that was there.
Little Peter was standing outsidethe whole time and saw everything.
(09:18):
As soon as the husband had entered,Little Peter went to the door.
and asked if he mighthave a night's lodging.
Yes, said the man.
You can stay here.
And he asked Little Peter tosit down at the table and eat.
Little Peter sat down, takinghis calf skin with him,
which he laid under his feet.
When they had sat a while, LittlePeter began to step on the skin.
(09:43):
What are you saying now?
Can't you be quiet?
Said Little Peter.
Who are you talking to?
asked the man.
Oh, answered Little Peter, it'sonly the fortune teller that
I have here in my calf skin.
And what does she foretell?
asked the man.
Why, she says that there's a bowlof custard under the fireplace
(10:06):
mantle, said Little Peter.
Ha!
Her prediction is wrong!
answered the man.
We haven't had custard in thishouse for a year and a day.
But Peter asked him to take a look.
He did so and found the custard.
So they proceeded to enjoy it, butjust as they were eating, Peter
stepped on the calf skin again.
(10:28):
Hush!
Can't you hold your mouth?
What is the fortune teller saying now?
Oh, she says there is probablysome ale and brandy just under
the cellar door, answered Peter.
Well, if she never predicted wrongin her life, she's predicting
wrong now, said the man.
Ale and brandy?
(10:50):
We've never had such things in this house.
Just take a look, said Peter.
The man did so, and there, sureenough, he found the drinks,
and was very pleased, indeed.
How much did you payfor that fortune teller?
said the man.
For I must have her,whatever you ask for her.
(11:10):
Well, I inherited her from myfather, and never thought that she
was worth much, answered Peter.
Of course, I'm not eager to part withher, but you may have her nonetheless,
if you give me that fortune.
Old chest in the living room.
That chest is locked and the keyis lost, cried the old woman.
Then I'll take it without thekey, said Peter, and he and the
(11:33):
man quickly struck a bargain.
Peter got a rope instead of the key.
The man helped him load the chest ontohis back, and off he stumbled with it.
After he had walked awhile, he came to a bridge.
Beneath the bridge ran a ragingstream, foaming, gurgling, and
roaring until the bridge shook.
(11:56):
That brandy!
That brandy, said Peter.
Now I can tell that I've had too much.
Why should I be dragging this chestabout if I hadn't been drunk and crazy?
I would not have tradedmy fortune teller for it.
Ah, but now this chest is goinginto the river and quickly and with
that he began to untie the rope.
(12:17):
Oh, oh, for God's sake, save me.
It's the priest that you have in thechest, screamed someone from inside.
That must be the devilhimself, said Peter.
And he wants to make me believethat he has become a priest.
But whether he claims to be a priestor a sexton, into the river he goes.
(12:38):
Oh no, oh no, I'm intruth the parish priest.
I was visiting the woman for her soul'shealth, but her husband's rough and
wild, so she had to hide me in the chest.
I have a silver watch.
And a gold watch with me.
You can have them both.
And eight hundred dollars besides ifyou'll only let me out, cried the priest.
(13:02):
Oh no, said Peter, is it reallyyour reverence after all?
With that he picked up a stone, heknocked the lid of the chest into pieces.
The priest got out and ran home tohis parsonage quickly and lightly,
for he no longer had his watchesand his money to weigh him down.
(13:23):
Then little Peter went home and saidto the big Peter, today at the market
there was a good price for calf skins.
What did you get for yourshabby one, said Big Peter.
Shabby as it was, I got eight hundreddollars for it, but those from larger and
fatter calves were bringing twice as much,said Little Peter, and showed his money.
(13:45):
Well, it's good you told methis, answered Big Peter.
And he went and slaughtered all hiscows and his calves, and set off
to town with their skins and hides.
When he arrived at the market and thetanners asked what he wanted for his
hides, Big Peter said, 800 for thesmall ones and more for the big ones.
(14:08):
But they all laughed at him and madefun of him and said, He should not
have come there, that he would geta better bargain at the madhouse.
Thus he soon found out thatLittle Peter had tricked him.
When he got home again,he was not very gentle.
He swore and he cursed and hethreatened to strike Little
(14:29):
Peter dead that very night.
Little Peter stood andlistened to all this.
After he had gone to bed with hismother, and the night had worn on a
little, he asked her to change sideswith him, saying that he was cold, and
it would be warmer next to the wall.
Yes, she did that, and a little later,Big Peter came in with an axe in his
(14:50):
hand, crept up to the bedside, and withone blow, chopped off his mother's head.
I told you there was a decapitation here.
The next morning, Little Peterwent into Big Peter's room.
Heaven help you, he said.
You have chopped our mother's head off.
The sheriff will not be pleasedto hear that you're paying
(15:11):
mother's pension in this way.
Then Big Peter became terribly frightened,and he begged Little Peter for God's
sake to say nothing about what he knew.
If he would only keepstill, he should have 800.
Well, little Peter swept up the money, sethis mother's head on her body again, put
(15:31):
her on a sled, and pulled her to market.
There he set her up with an apple basketon each arm, and an apple in each hand.
By and by, a skipper, the captainof a boat, came walking along.
He thought she was a market woman andasked if she had apples to sell and
(15:52):
how many she might have for a penny.
But the old woman did not answer.
So the skipper asked again.
No, she said nothing.
How many may I have for a penny?
He cried a third time, but theold woman sat there as though
she neither saw or heard them.
(16:12):
How many may I have for a penny?
He cried the third time, but theold woman sat there as though she
neither saw him nor heard him.
Then the skipper flew into a rageand slapped her, causing her head
to roll across the marketplace.
At that moment, Little Peter camerunning, weeping and wailing and
(16:34):
threatening to make trouble for theSkipper for having killed his old mother.
Dear friend, keep still aboutwhat you know, said the Skipper.
And I'll give you 800.
And thus, they made a deal.
When Little Peter got home again, he saidto Big Peter, Old women were bringing a
pretty good price at the market today.
(16:56):
I got 800 for our mother,and he showed him the money.
It's good that I came toknow this, said Big Peter.
He had an old mother in law, and he killedher, and then set forth to sell her.
But when people heard that he wastrying to sell dead bodies They wanted
to hand him over to the sheriff, andit was all they could do to escape.
(17:18):
When Big Peter arrived home, hewas so angry with Little Peter,
he threatened to strike him deadthere and then without mercy.
Yes, indeed, said Little Peter.
We must all go this waybetween today and tomorrow.
There's only the night.
But if I must set off now,I've only one thing to ask.
(17:40):
Put me into that sack that's hangingover there and carry me to the river.
Big Peter had nothing against that.
He stuffed him into the sack andset off, but he hadn't gone very
far before it came into his mindthat he had forgotten something
which he had to go back and fetch.
Meanwhile, he set the sackdown by the side of the road.
(18:02):
Just then came a man drivinga big flock of sheep.
To the kingdom of heaven, to paradise,to the kingdom of heaven, to paradise,
cried out little Peter, from insidethe sack, and he kept mumbling and
muttering the same words over and over.
May I not go with you?
Asked the man with the sheep.
(18:24):
Of course you may, said little Peter.
Just untie the sack, trade places withme, and you'll get there soon enough.
I can wait until next time.
But, you must keep on callingout what I was saying, or you'll
not go to the right place.
Then the man untied the sacktook little Peter's place.
(18:44):
Peter tied the sack up and the man beganto cry out, To the kingdom of heaven, to
paradise, To the kingdom of heaven, toparadise, Kingdom of heaven, paradise, And
repeated the saying over and over again.
Paradise, After Peter got inposition in the sack, he wasn't slow.
Off he went with the flock of sheep.
Making a broad turn away from the track.
(19:08):
Meantime, Big Peter returned, took thesack on his shoulders, carried it to
the river, and all the while he went,the shepherd sat inside, crying, To
the kingdom of heaven, to paradise!
To the kingdom of heaven, to paradise!
Yes, indeed.
Now try to find the way foryourself, said Big Peter.
(19:29):
And with that, he tossedhim out into the stream.
When Big Peter had done that and was goingback home, he met his brother, who was
driving the flock of sheep before him.
Big Peter could hardly believe hiseyes and asked how little Peter had
gotten out of the river and wherehe'd found that fine flock of sheep.
(19:52):
Oh, that was an act of brotherly lovethat you did for me when you threw me
into the river, answered Little Peter.
I sank right down to the bottom like astone, and there I saw flocks of sheep.
Believe me, down there theygo about by the thousands.
Each flock is finer than the others, andjust see what splendid wool they have.
(20:15):
Ah, it's good of you to tell me that.
said Big Peter, and he ran home tohis wife, made her come with him
to the river, crept into a sack,and asked her to quickly tie it
up and throw him over the bridge.
I'm going after a flock of sheep, he said.
If I stay too long, it's because I can'tmanage the flock by myself, and then
(20:36):
you'll have to jump in and help me.
Well, don't stay too long, said his wife.
For I am looking forward to those sheep.
She stood there and waited a while.
And waited a while.
But then she thought that herhusband couldn't gather the flock
together, so she jumped in after him.
(20:57):
Now little Peter was rid of themall, and he inherited their farm and
fields, and horses and tools too.
And besides, he had enoughmoney to buy cattle as well.
Okay, Big Peter sure got hisjust desserts for being greedy.
Nothing was good enough for him.
(21:19):
He kept wanting more.
But he got what he's deserved.
He got his comeuppance in the end forbeing greedy and Really fairly stupid too.
Now this sub story of a married womanfeeding the expensive food to the parish
priest while depriving her own husbandwhile he's out of the house is actually
(21:41):
in a lot of other Norwegian tales.
I figure this is some way toshow unfaithfulness without
going anywhere near infidelity.
Whatever motivated her.
It doesn't matter to the storytellerhere, it's how little Peter takes
advantage of the situation with thechest, which is rather amusing, for the
(22:05):
priest ought not to be enjoying the foodthe man of the house should be enjoying.
I suspect that's where we'resupposed to leave this story,
without analyzing it further.
But were any of you uncomfortablewith Little Peter trading places with
his mother, when clearly he expectedsomething violent from Big Peter?
(22:28):
Little Peter set people up, like theskipper and big Peter himself, to be
falsely blamed for killing the motherand then extorting money from them.
And how about that innocent man drivingsheep who was coaxed into the bag?
Well, that's at least deception, andat worst, he set him up to be killed.
(22:51):
What do you make of all this?
I can imagine us talking to littlePeter and saying, Hey, Hey, all those
people, people got killed in this story.
You're not exactly themodel of honesty yourself.
And he might say, I didn't kill anybody.
And that is technically true, right?
(23:12):
He didn't himself throwanybody into the stream.
He didn't chop anybody's head off.
He didn't whack the cow.
So maybe we should come to the conclusionthat people, at least in this folktale,
are not ethically black or white, goodor bad, instead kind of gray or worse.
(23:35):
You're listening to the Nordic on Tapepisode where we talk about wealth and
greed and responsibility and how thoseare spoken about in Nordic folktales.
I'm Eric Stafny.
I wanted to take a minute to thankfolks who have helped me out with
(23:56):
the buy me a coffee campaign.
I got a nice coffee from a galwho said really enjoyed the Fjord
horse and goat folktale episodes.
I guess that's three billy goats gruff.
And another Matt W.
from Carnation.
Thank you very much for your contribution.
(24:16):
Folks, listen to Nordic onTap in a variety of places.
Doing the laundry, driving a car,gardening, hanging out, doing chores.
I'm just happy you're listening to this.
All right, so back to it.
What about simply being wealthy?
(24:37):
Suppose you become wealthy byinheritance or you earn money
honestly, and in fact this isaddressed in the upcoming folktale.
What does it mean that you earnedmoney yourself and it's your money?
What responsibility do wealthypeople have to society?
Author Michael Booth, inhis book, The Almost Nearly
(25:00):
Perfect People, Which I love.
Nordic sociology at its best saidDanish tycoons and captains of
industry are rarely role models here.
Booth is talking from living in Denmark.
The late shipping and oil magnateand probably the wealthiest non
royal Dane of all time, MaerskMcKinney Møller, was respected but
(25:25):
neither loved nor a role model.
Møller wisely chose not to displayhis wealth too gratuitously.
According to the Maersk CorporateCommunications Department, he also
abided by a strict work ethic, attendingmeetings well into his nine days,
bringing a packed lunch with him towork, and climbing several flights
(25:47):
of stairs to his office every day.
Surprised he didn't wear a hair shirt.
Together with many generous donations topublic works, he paid for Copenhagen's
Opera House, among other projects,and this seemed to help him avoid
much of a Janta backlash, a Jantalaw backlash, where he has more than
(26:12):
anybody else, and that's not good.
He's actually distributingsome of his wealth.
So, what's an honest wealthyperson to do besides giving things
away and buying opera houses?
This next folktale addresses that and italso looks at what our responsibilities,
I mean you and me, are for whatever wehave, whether we are wealthy or not.
(26:38):
where there were talented in somethings and not so much in others.
This folktale comes from Denmarkand was collected in the Svend
Grundtvig collection, translatedby Jans Christian Bay from 1899.
I found it online in thepublic domain at wikisource.
(26:59):
org under Danish fairy and folktales.
Wikisource, by the way, is aproject of the Wikimedia Foundation
to create a growing free contentonline library, just like runeberg.
org, and also translations of those books.
(27:21):
So this folktale is called The Merchant.
Once upon a time therewas a wealthy merchant.
He lived in a beautiful spaciousstone building in a large square
directly opposite a cathedral.
The front was adorned withmonuments of great value.
A high staircase, which led fromthe street to the entrance, was
(27:44):
furnished with a magnificent ironrailing of excellent workmanship,
with gilded balls and ornaments.
The owner of this exquisitemansion was immensely rich.
He imported in his own ships fromother countries far away choice fruit
and wine, ivory, and fragrant spices.
(28:07):
The floor in his large hall consistedof gold coins placed on edge, and
when he invited his friends to passan evening at his home, all the food
was served on gold plates, Everycup and plate, every knife and fork
in his house was made of pure gold.
There seemed to be no end to his wealth.
(28:30):
At length the merchant died, leavinghis whole property to his only son, the
handsomest young man in the whole town.
of excellent character, andalways contented and glad.
He had a smile and a pleasant wordfor everyone, so in his short life,
he had found more friends thanthe old merchant had ever had,
(28:54):
in spite of his seventy years.
When the young man succeeded hisfather as master of the magnificent
house, a great many of his friendstook up their abode with him.
They ate at his table, drank ofhis wine, and stayed with him
days and nights, praising hisgreat kindness and generosity,
(29:15):
his open hand, and his open heart.
Whenever they were in need of money, andmentioned it to him, he pointed to an
old chest in the corner, saying, Takewhat you need and return it when you can.
Well, at length his friends madethemselves so much at home that
they found their way into thechest without asking permission.
(29:38):
So in a little while, the oldbookkeeper, who had served the house
for nearly 40 years, told his youngmaster that all the money was gone.
Well, the chest must be filled upagain, said the young man carelessly.
There is the floor in the Great Hall.
Break it up.
Fill the chest.
We can have a marblefloor laid in its place.
(30:02):
His orders were obeyed and thereseemed to be money enough to fill
the chest for all time to come.
Everyone thought that themarble floor looked much more
handsome than the golden one.
Besides, it was not as expensive, and thefriends did not know how to praise enough
the wisdom and foresight of their friend.
(30:24):
A great many poor persons who heardof his generosity came and asked
to be helped from time to time.
And their wishes were all at once granted.
Now the young merchant was to bemarried to a very beautiful young
lady, the daughter of a wise counselor.
When the time came for their wedding, thegroom wished to give his bride a golden
(30:47):
carriage and six milk white horses.
But the old bookkeeper shook hishead and said that they could
already see the bottom of the chest.
And there were no more floors fromwhich it could again be filled.
On hearing this, the young man calledhis friends together and said to
them that he was in need of money.
(31:07):
He was obliged to ask them to help him.
Now the time had come when he neededsome of the money which they had
borrowed from him at different times.
None of them was willingto comply, however.
Hadn't he loaned them money?
Hadn't he also told them that they mightpay him whenever they could spare it?
(31:30):
Now, he had lived like a fool.
He had been very reckless.
He never cut his coataccording to his cloth.
And when he gives money to the poor,it's the same as robbing one's friends.
They said their friendship was at an end.
They would be ashamed even tobe seen with him in the streets.
(31:50):
Thereafter.
Amazing.
Huh?
Disappointed and angry with thesemen for whom he had done so much.
The young merchant went to the home of hisbetrothed thinking that she might at least
be able to give him some consolation.
His friends had already been there.
However, and talked to the girl'sparents in such a manner that the young
(32:14):
man was not even allowed to see her.
She was locked up in a room where she satmoping and nearly crying her eyes out.
It went no better with theyoung man at other places.
All those to whom he turnedfor help shook their heads or
abused him like a pickpocket.
But no one raised a finger to help him.
(32:37):
At length he returned home,utterly depressed and despondent.
But the old bookkeeper toldhim to pick up courage.
Some of their customers abroadowed them large sums of money.
I have saved a little fromtime to time, said he.
This will enable me to keep up thebusiness until we can be helped.
(32:59):
Here's a list of those whom wemay expect to pay their debts.
I advise you to go and see them.
There is money enoughhere to pay your fare.
The merchant embraced the trueold man and thanked him for his
great faithfulness and devotion.
Having received much good advice from hisold friend, he set out on his journey.
(33:22):
It seemed, however, that misfortune haddetermined to follow him, for all who
could pay their debts refused to do so.
While the rest were willingenough, But had no money at length.
The young man had nothingto do but return home.
One day towards evening,he reached an inn.
(33:42):
A storm had overtaken him, and an icy colddrizzle made him shiver from head to foot.
He had been obliged to sell his horseand discharged his servant, and a few
pennies were all that he had left in hispurse, although home was still far away.
Tired and famished, he knockedat the door, and his voice was
(34:05):
neither chillful nor courageouswhen he asked for food and shelter.
The stout host with his shining facelooked at the young traveler's well
worn dress and his faded hat, whereuponhe said gruffly and unkindly, All
the rooms are occupied, and all thatwe can give you is a place at the
supper table, if you can pay for it.
(34:28):
Beggars and landloperswe have no use for here.
The young merchant asked if he couldnot be allowed to sleep in the hayloft.
It was a stormy evening,and he was tired out.
No, replied his host.
People who have nomoney are not my people.
I don't care what becomes of them.
(34:51):
Hey, why can't you, said one of theguests, who was sitting in a corner
with several others before a steamingbowl of punch, let this young man
sleep in the old ruin across the way.
In the ruin, repeated thehost, grinning slyly, why not?
That will be a splendid place to rest,continued he, turning to the young man.
(35:16):
If you're not afraid of ghosts,the merchant's pride awoke.
I am afraid of no person living ordead, said he, looking straight at
the landlord's cunning features.
Come along then, exclaimed theman, and I will show you the place.
He led the way out of the inn and upan avenue of old chestnut trees into
(35:39):
a dejected ruin, where time had leftonly a few rooms free from destruction.
Into one of these they went.
It was a large, gloomy room, witha few pieces of furniture, an old
bed, with stiff faded curtains,a solid oak table, two easy
(35:59):
chairs, and an old ironclad chest.
Soon a fire was madein the half cured wood.
crumbled fireplace, whereupon thelandlord bid the young man good night,
promising to send him some supper.
And in a little while, two servant girlsappeared with lighted candles, which
were placed on the table, and a basketfrom which they produced a piece of
(36:21):
ham, bread and butter, and a chicken.
Upon this, the girls returned tothe inn, while the young man hung up
his wet mantle near the fireplace,and sat down to satisfy his hunger.
As soon as he had eaten, he went to bed.
and slept soundly.
In a few hours, he awoke.
(36:44):
Everything was quiet.
The fire burned slowly and no soundwas heard, glancing towards the window
to see if it was night or morning.
The merchant caught sight ofa tall, stout figure of a man
standing in front of the table.
He wore a black suit, pointed shoes,and over his shoulder was hanging
(37:06):
a red mantle held together in frontby an old fashioned silver buckle.
The young man felt his blood run cold,and his hair began to stand on end.
But in the next minute, he waspossessed by some of his old courage,
which had been strengthened bythe warm room and the good supper.
(37:27):
He sat up in bed, glanced at the sternfeatures of his unknown visitor, until the
latter approached one of the old fashionedhigh backed easy chairs, and pointed
to its seat with an imperious gesture.
As the occupant of the bed madeno effort to move, the ghost
again pointed to the chair, whilehis features became threatening.
(37:52):
The merchant, who had now entirelygoverned his fears, threw the pillows
aside, jumped up into the room where hewalked to the chair, and seated himself.
The ghost immediately opened his mantleand produced the glass filled with
white foam, which he placed on thetable, laying a shiny razor beside it.
(38:16):
Young man in the chair now began toshiver all over his body and thought
that his last moments had come.
He closed his eyes andremained sitting immovable.
When suddenly he felt somethingmoist and cold on his face and head,
and he now realized that the ghostwas not intending to kill him, but
(38:37):
only to shave his head and chin.
So it was.
In a little while his head was aseven and shining as an ivory ball.
The man laid down his razor on the table.
looked imploringly at the merchant, passedhis fingers across his own head and chin.
Our friend thought this quite amusing.
(38:59):
No doubt the ghost wished to beshaved also, and a few minutes
later the operation was performed.
And then the ghost opened hismouth for the first time and
said, Thanks, my young friend.
You have saved me, and nowI can sleep peacefully.
To say the truth, replied themerchant, I have the same desire.
(39:20):
You awoke me at an untimely hour, butwhy could you not rest peacefully before?
I lived a foolish, heedlesslife, replied the ghost.
I had enough of gold and silver, allthat I wished for, and even more.
But I squandered my wealth on thosewhom I called my friends, and they
(39:44):
helped me faithfully to spend it,until one day I suddenly died.
When I arrived at the gate of heaven, St.
Peter told me that I was doomed to walkabout at night until I found someone who
would permit me to shave him, and whowould do me the same service in return.
(40:05):
Ah, when you're wealthy, observedthe young man, you can always
count on a great number of friends.
I had many, until I lost my wealth.
Yes, replied the ghost.
I know them all.
You know them?
Cried the merchant, startledby this intelligence.
Yes, but ask no questions.
(40:26):
Put on your clothes and follow me.
The young man complied, whereupon theghost seized one of the candlesticks
and conducted him into the cellar, wherethey stopped before an old iron chest.
Is yours.
This, said the owner ofthe red mantle, is yours.
(40:49):
Until I was dead I did not know thatit existed, but if I had found it
before, no doubt its contents would havevanished with the rest of my wealth.
This chest is filled with gold coin.
When you leave this dismal ruin,which was once a beautiful mansion,
take it away with you and usethe money with care and caution.
(41:12):
When they returned to the roomabove, the merchant said, I do
not understand why you were doomedto such work as shaving people.
Do you not understand, replied the ghost,that I had been shaved by all my friends
and that I was now obliged to do the same?
That was my penalty for livinga life without aim and goal.
(41:36):
But now I am free.
The young man mused for a moment, and thenhe said, Was the money not all your own?
Did you not have a rightto use it as you pleased?
The ghost answeredgravely, No, it was not.
I held it in trust, asevery wealthy man does.
(41:59):
The day will come when we shall accountfor all that we have said and done, and
for the manner in which we spent themoney, which God entrusted to our care.
The word fell heavily uponthe mind of the young man.
He plunged into a deep reveriefrom which he did not awake until
the daylight had found its waythrough the green, narrow windows.
(42:24):
Lifting his head, he noticed thatthe landlord stood in the open door,
gazing at him with a wicked expressionof joy in his small, set eyes.
I see that the man with the redmantle has paid you a visit, said he,
blinking maliciously at his guest.
Yes, replied the merchant, andhe proved to be an excellent man.
(42:49):
We talked a great deal of peopleof whom we both know, and of you.
Two.
Of me, cried the landlord.
Oh yes, the ghost promised to visit you ina few days and shave your head and chin.
He said that he had kept his eyeon you for a great length of time.
Gracious, shouted he,how can I escape him?
(43:12):
I would die of fear if ever Iwoke and found him in my room.
I shall tell him tonight.
Answered the young man, that you wouldprefer not to be shaved, as I was, but in
return, you must keep me here for a month,and when I am ready to return home, I
wish to borrow your horses and carriage.
(43:34):
The landlord promised this, andimplored him to do all he could in
his power to prevent his being shavedby the terrible ghost, of which he
had heard so many fearful tales.
In the course of the next four weeks,the young merchant's hair had again
grown to its usual length, so he leftthe ruin in the landlord's carriage and
(43:56):
returned home with a chest, which wasfound to contain an immense sum of money.
The old bookkeeper initiated him intothe duties of the business, which grew
rapidly and brought him back his oldwealth in the course of a short time.
As soon it was known, That themerchant had returned home with
(44:19):
immense riches, his friends againpresented themselves at his door.
The young man hired, however, acouple of stout stonecutters, and as
soon as the friends appeared, theywere thrown out into the street more
rapidly than they could realize andnever dared to call a second time.
(44:41):
But the young man hastened to thehouse of his sweetheart and told
her parents all that had happened.
And The girl had remained faithfulto him and there was now no
objection to their marriage.
There was no golden carriage.
But they were contented with less.
(45:02):
This is the story of the merchant wholearned to be faithful to his trust.
What do you think of this?
What was that business aboutgetting and giving a shave?
In a number of cultures, shavingfacial hair is a kind of.
Cleansing.
(45:22):
Men of prominence could afford tohave, or were honored enough to
have, subservient people shave them.
Shaving a man is allegorical.
It emphasizes the serving of othersrather than gaining power or control.
And this philosophy is based on theidea that the most effective leaders
(45:44):
strive to serve customers, partners,and the community as a servant.
A behavior that says theshaver is willing to be humble.
So shaving is a ritual, likened to beinggiven a bath or being cleansed by another.
This is all the rage, by the way,it has been for a couple decades
(46:06):
in corporate leadership circles, aconcept called servant leadership.
Sounds like a moxie moron, but the ideais to live life with aim and a goal, focus
on seeking things, serving other people,and holding what you're given in trust.
(46:29):
The concept in this story alsoreminds me a bit of that Bible
passage from the book of Luke.
To whom much is given, muchwill be required or expected.
President John F.
Kennedy also quoted this verse in aspeech at Vanderbilt University in 1963.
He said, History will judge usas a country as to whether we
(46:53):
are people of courage, judgment,integrity, and of dedication.
And then he said, to whom much is given,much will be required or expected.
Do we hold talents and skillsin trust along with money to be
used wisely with and for others?
What do you think of that?
(47:16):
I'm reminded of my professor, Dr.
Lisa Gee, what she said when ourgroup of four got into a blaming match
with each other for not contributingequally to the group project.
She said, hold it.
And she looked around and itwas hard to meet her eyes.
(47:36):
We knew something was coming.
And she said, we are hereto lift each other higher.
I can't claim to live by that.
But I certainly aspire to do that.
Thank you for listening to NordicFolk Tales and their take on
wealth, greed, and responsibility.
(47:58):
Our intro music is written and performedby Alfred Morton Hoyrup and Ruthie
Dornfeld, both of whom have websites.
Alfred Morton also has a book ofsheet music worth considering.
Our outgoing music is composedand performed by Daryl Jackson
of Daryl Jackson Music.
That's all one word, D A R R Y LJ A C K S O N, music, M U S I C.
(48:27):
If you're looking for other thingsto listen to, Besides this podcast,
you might give Living a NordicLife a try by Fiona McKenna.
That's a pretty engagingpodcast that may appeal to you
if you have a Nordic interest.
The Norwegian American newspaper,if you're interested in events
(48:50):
related to Norway and the UnitedStates and other parts of the
world, might be worth your time.
The Norwegian American is.
In print and in digital form,and all you have to do is type
in Norwegian american.com.
So we'll see you next time.
(49:10):
Yes, V on Nordic on tap.
I'm Eric Stane.
Ha.
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