In ancient times, life on earth was very difficult because there was no fire. As soon as the sun sets, you can’t see anything and it’s cold. People, however, knew that there was fire in the very depths of hell. But no one could go down there and get fire.
In those days, the world was ruled by one and only king.
The king had such power that not only people, but also all animals, insects and every other living creature that was on earth and in the air obeyed his orders.
One day the king announced a big reward for anyone who would go down into the heat and bring out the fire. Many tried, but not a single person could get fire.
Nevertheless, the king decided to get fire for the people at all costs. He called all his advisers and ordered them to come up with an even greater reward for the hero who would bring fire to earth.
The advisors thought for a long time and finally decided: whoever brings the fire can eat for free at any table forever and ever.
The messengers spread this news throughout the world, announcing it not only to people, but also to animals, birds, and insects. Many heroes embarked on a dangerous journey, but no one could endure the fire from the terrible depths.
But then the Spider heard the royal news and immediately decided to make fire. He hastily began to twist the ropes in order to descend to the underworld. When the ropes were ready, the Spider, without saying a word to anyone, went to hell.
Having reached the edge of hell, the daredevil tied the end of the rope to a strong oak root and sank to the very bottom of hell, got close to the fire, grabbed a burning brand, rushed like a whirlwind back to his rope and safely climbed up.
Although the Spider knew how to climb deftly, still, rising from such depths, and even with a burden, he was very tired. Finding himself on the ground, the Spider lay down to rest a little, and put the fire nearby. The spider just wanted to take a little nap, but sleep overcame him and he fell fast asleep.
The time had come to drive out the cattle, but the Spider was still sleeping. And then the Fly, which flew back and forth
nearby, a strange smell hit my nose. She looked around and suddenly saw miracles in the sieve: a fiery brand was burning near the Spider!
The fly realized that it was the Spider who brought the fire out of hell. So what did she do?
“Does such a sleepyhead know how to handle fire? He will sleep until the fire goes out! And gratitude will be more useful to me than to him!” - she decided.
And, quickly grabbing the firebrand, the Fly flew away.
She brought the king a firebrand and said:
- Receive, lord, fire! At the risk of my life, I took him out of the heat. Give me the promised reward!
The king was very happy. He organized a feast in honor of Mukha and gave her the following certificate: forever and ever, Mukha can dine at all tables.
The spider woke up only towards the end of the day. Looks like the firebrand has disappeared! The Spider got excited and ran around. He asks everyone if anyone has seen the thief. And everyone laughed at the Spider: was he crazy, or what? After all, it has long been known that it was the Fly that brought the fire out of the heat itself with danger to its life.
Hearing about this, the Spider really almost went crazy with resentment. He began to shout at the top of his voice:
- The fly is a thief! The fly is a thief! She robbed me! It was I who brought the fire out of the inferno, and only I am entitled to the promised reward!
Many believed the Spider’s story, but only shook their heads: it was too late, because the Fly had already received a diploma.
This angered Spider even more. Falling and stumbling, barely catching my breath. The Spider dragged himself to the king to tell him how the Fly had robbed him.
The fly sat in a place of honor; at the right hand of the king. The spider began to tell how it happened.
“The Spider keeps lying,” said the Fly. “Is there at least one who has seen the Spider with fire?” Not a single one!
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru