[57] This disguise is often assumed by God in the stories of Eastern Europe, when he wishes to be incognito; nor is it always clear whether God or Christ is intended. I remember once reading a Lithuanian story in which God and St. Peter are represented as descending to earth disguised as beggars, for fear they might be recognised, to inquire into the wickedness of mankind before the Flood. [58] The bath is a special place of resort for devils in Mohammedan folk-lore. [59] The Manx story will occur to the reader. Compare also the story of the "Courageous Barn-keeper" in the following section of our work. [60] _Põrgulise_ is the actual word used here. [61] This term, _kuri vaim_, is explicitly used here, not _Vana pois_, as we find in the earlier part of the story; and seems to indicate a different and much more malevolent being than the simpleton who visited the barn-keeper, though the term _Vana pois_ sometimes occurs in stories like "The Wooden Man and Birch-bark Maid," in which souls are actually sold to the Devil. [62] Hans is a generic term in Esthonia for the cunning fellow who always contrives to outwit the Devil, &c. [63] This seems to be an error in the story; for the context shows that the prohibition was not to speak a word during the ceremony. [64] _Kergi_ (rise up), spelt backwards. [65] As in the story of Joodar (_Thousand and One Nights_). [66] There has been some discussion as to the right meaning to be put upon the words, _Mana tark_ (Death-magician), but it appears to me that necromancer is simply a literal rendering. [67] This serpent-gathering so much resembles those described in the first book of the _Maha-Bharata_, and in the story of Hasib (or Jamasp) in the _Thousand and One Nights_, that I have referred the present story to the class of tales of Oriental origin. [68] In Finland and Esthonia they use dried birch-twigs with the leaves attached to whisk themselves with when bathing. [69] See vol. i. p. 13. [70] Löwe translates the word _kon_, "dragon," but it primarily means a frog or toad; and "dragon" is not among the other meanings which I find in the dictionaries. Besides, the creature is described as resembling a frog in many respects. [71] Compare vol. i. p. 223. [72] _Põrgu neitsi_. Who she was is not clearly explained. [73] Doubtless Olev of the _Kalevipoeg_; possibly St. Olaf may also be intended. [74] This incident reminds us of the story of St. Olaf and the giant Wind and Weather (see Keightley's _Fairy Mythology_, Bohn's edition, 1860, p. 117), though here it is the giant church-builder who falls. According to one of the legends of Cologne Cathedral, the architect was hurled from the top of the unfinished building by the Devil. The calling of a person by name was often regarded by the Scandinavians as a death-omen. [75] There is a similar tale told of the arrival of the Cholera in one of the Greek islands.