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The Smith and The Demon
Although not is known about the Russian folktale, "The Smith and the Demon," one can find this work in the book, "Russian Folktales," written by W.S.R Ralston. The original publication date is thought to be around 1812, however, if you look up with particular story you'll end up finding another one thus making this story hard to find if you look anywhere else other than Mr. Ralston's book.

W.S.R Ralston, "Russian Folktales."
The book "Russian Folktales," is home to many forgotten tales, The Smith and The Demon being one. This book is made up of different sections to which other folktales might fall under. The Smith and The Demon is in the very first section, the introductory, and is located on page 70.

Summary
At one point in time there was a smith man who decided to paint a demon like figure onto one of his doors. Unknown to this man, the painting he has created is alive. Yet, the demon this man has just released into the world does nothing to this smith, as the man treats the painting with the upmost respect, saying good morning, and how are you? The Smith does this everyday for quite sometimes before his most untimely death, which begins the story.

Because of this sudden death, the smiths son soon takes over. However, the smith son is far different from his father, and treats everyone, including the demon's portrait terribly. The son bangs on the door, curses, and rude awakens this causes the demon to rile up. Once awakened the demon sets out for his revenge causing mayhem thought the town, and it's villagers until eventually the son and demon can come to an agreement.

History
Although not much is found on this folktale, many may confuse it to "The Smith and The Devil." Although both have extremely similar storylines, both are slightly different and are believed to not be the same story.

However, The Smith and The Demon, can be believed to be an adaption to "The Smith and The Devil," both have different origins and different backgrounds. Since the original publication date of the, The Smith and The Demon, is left unknown, we can only speculate whether or not, that is true.

Theme
This folktale uses both religious background while also hinting at a more supernatural element. While the supernatural elements are lesser in this theme the religious aspect of it, is not. Although, what type of religion is not mentioned, the story itself talks of church, the last judgment, and religious artworks.

The religious artworks is the main reason as to why the smith decides to paint his door, after seeing a painting of a giant, terrible demon inside the church, he decides he most have a painting just like it.

Going along with the religious theme, as you continue throughout the story it makes itself more known. While the demon is out for revenge, the town gets the news of a "man" who can turn the old in the young. The process of turning these people young again, is where a more supernatural but also a religious like theme comes into play. The demon burns the people and once there bodies are ash and all that is left is their bones, he throws them into a milk like substance and thus they are born again, young and carefree.

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